China’s Ministry of Commerce called on the United States to immediately remove all tariffs on Chinese goods, ahead of a forthcoming announcement by the Biden administration regarding potential tariff increases on items such as electric vehicles (EVs).
The U.S. is expected to make its final decision on these levies in the coming days, following multiple delays. These tariffs, initially imposed during the Trump administration in 2018 and 2019, targeted a wide range of Chinese imports, including semiconductors, solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, steel, and aluminum.
Originally, the higher tariffs—100% on EVs, 50% on semiconductors and solar cells, and 25% on other key materials like lithium-ion batteries, steel, and aluminum—were scheduled to take effect on August 1. However, on July 30, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office postponed their implementation, citing the need to review over 1,100 public comments from industry. The decision was delayed again to August 31, and further deferred after that.
This most recent delay followed White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan’s visit to Beijing, where he held multiple discussions with Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping. Both sides stressed the importance of managing the complex U.S.-China relationship.
Imposing tariffs on Chinese goods “adds insult to injury,” stated He Yongqian, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce, during a press briefing on Thursday. He added that China had expressed its firm opposition to the tariffs numerous times, calling for their removal.
A second meeting of the U.S.-China commerce and trade working group is scheduled to take place in Tianjin on September 7, following the first meeting in April. Both sides are expected to engage in in-depth discussions on economic and trade policies, addressing mutual concerns.