The United States is raising import tariffs on numerous Chinese goods, particularly targeting strategic sectors such as electric cars, chips, batteries, steel, and key minerals.
The measures aim to compel China to cease unfair trade practices. Of particular note is the tariff hike on imported electric cars from China, which will quadruple to 100 percent this year. The tariff on Chinese semiconductors will increase from 25 to 50 percent next year.
In addition to tariffs on electric cars and chips, the US government will triple import duties on certain steel and aluminum products, as well as on batteries and battery components for electric vehicles. The tariff on graphite and some other key minerals will rise from 0 to 25 percent, and the tariff on solar cells will double from 25 to 50 percent.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the country will oppose unilateral tariff increases, arguing that they violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
In recent months, the European Union has also threatened to impose new tariffs on electric cars from China, accusing Beijing of providing illegal government support to the sector to artificially keep prices low.