In response to the additional 10 percent tariff the U.S. imposed on imports from China as of March 4, Chinese government authorities have announced the retaliatory measures outlined below.
Tariffs
Effective March 10, China plans to impose additional tariffs of 15 percent on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, and 10 percent on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, imported from the U.S. Press reports indicate that goods in transit will be exempt through April 12. Additional tariffs may be imposed if the U.S. increases its 20 percent tariff to a higher rate.
Import Bans
Effective March 4 China’s General Administration of Customs has suspended imports of logs from the U.S. and prohibited imports of soybeans from three U.S. exporters.
Unreliable Entity List
Effective March 4 China added ten U.S. entities to its unreliable entity list. Entities on this list are prohibited from engaging in import and export activities related to China as well as making new investments in China.
China has also for the first time prohibited imports from a specific U.S. entity previously added to the unreliable entity list.
Dual-Use Export Control List
Effective March 4 China’s Ministry of Commerce added 15 U.S. entities to its dual-use export control list, which was introduced in late 2024. As a result, exports of dual-use items to these entities are prohibited and all relevant export activities currently being carried out must be halted immediately. If such exports are necessary under special circumstances the exporter must apply for a dual-use export license from MOFCOM.
Anti-Circumvention Investigation
On March 4 MOFCOM initiated China’s first ever anti-circumvention investigation, to determine whether U.S. fiber manufacturers and/or exporters have used relevant cutoff wavelength-shifted single-mode fibers to circumvent antidumping measures on non-dispersive shifted single-mode fibers originating in the U.S. Stakeholders have 20 days to register with MOFCOM to participate in this investigation or submit comments.
Recommendations
Compared to the retaliatory measures taken by China in response to the additional 10 percent tariff the U.S. imposed Feb. 4, China has announced more actions toward U.S. goods and companies this time. It is expected that U.S. companies’ subsidiaries in China will face more audits and investigations by Chinese authorities.
To mitigate these risks, ST&R’s Asia-based trade professionals can help companies:
- monitor regulatory updates;
- understand Chinese regulations and Chinese authorities’ enforcement priorities;
- conduct internal risk assessments;
- respond to audits by Chinese authorities, including China Customs, Tax Bureau, and MOFCOM;
- negotiate with authorities on case settlement; and
- restructure supply chains.
For more information, please contact Xiaofeng Xu via email.
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