Beijing stated that this measure was a minor step towards rectifying Trump’s incorrect approach of enforcing tariffs. In related news, US Commerce Secretary Lutnik mentioned that Washington plans to enforce additional duties on electronic goods and semiconductor products separately.
China commented on the Trump administration’s choice to
exempt consumer electronics
From significant duties as a “modest measure” toward rectifying an “incorrect procedure.”
A representative from the Commerce Ministry stated on Sunday that Beijing is currently “assessing the effects” of this exemption.
Following Trump’s increase in tariffs
Chinese goods to %145
Earlier this week, the US Customs and Border Protection office issued a notification on Friday evening that exempted smartphones, computers, and various electronic products from restrictions for those entering the United States.
Nevertheless, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick informed ABC that the country plans to impose particular tariffs on items such as smartphones, computers, and certain other electronics, along with semiconductors.
Trump’s expanded tariffs policy has sent shockwaves across markets worldwide. The US president
put most of his tariffs on hold for ninety days
earlier on Wednesday, but
excluded China
, leading Beijing to react by increasing its
own levies on US goods to %125.
How did China react to Trump’s exemption?
On Sunday, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce urged the United States to “fully revoke” its tariff measures.
“We encourage the United States to… make significant progress toward rectifying its errors, fully rescind the incorrect policy of ‘retaliatory tariffs,’ and revert to the proper course of mutual respect,” stated the spokesperson in an official announcement.
On Friday, during a conversation with the head of the World Trade Organization, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao cautioned that tariffs would “cause significant damage” to developing countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will commence a five-day visit to Southeast Asia on Monday, aiming to strengthen financial partnerships amid ongoing efforts.
a trade conflict with the United States.
Xi is scheduled to meet with the leaders of Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia.
The US plans to enforce distinct tariffs on electronic goods and semiconductor products.
The major technology corporations, like California’s Apple and Texas’ Dell, which depend significantly on manufacturing in China, did not relax much upon hearing about potential individual duties imposed by the U.S. on products such as smartphones, computers, and semiconductor devices.
The US Commerce Secretary Lutnik informed ABC’s “This Week” that semiconductor tariffs would likely be implemented within the next one or two months.
Lutnick stated, ‘We shouldn’t depend on China for crucial elements like our medications and semiconductors; these should be produced domestically in America.’
Meanwhile, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that the excluded electronic goods will remain liable for tariffs. These products will no longer fall under reciprocal tariffs but will instead be subjected to the national security tariff system.
This process necessitates an investigation prior to implementation, as stated by Greer during a CBS “Face the Nation” interview. He mentioned that they currently have studies underway focusing on pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, metals, among others.
Trump has defended his policies, saying he aims to bring major productions to the US.
Nevertheless, much of today’s electronic devices, particularly smartphones, are manufactured in Asia. As a result, imposing steep tariffs leads to increased costs, affecting American consumers as well. It’s worth noting that this contradicts one of President Trump’s promises during his previous election campaign to lower expenses for U.S. citizens.
Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
Author: Rana Taha (with AFP, AP, Reuters)
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