Beijing gets tough on Trump’s protectionist measures, targeting US oil and gas and tech giant Google.
The trade war between the world’s two leading powers is escalating. In response to the additional tariffs imposed by President Trump, China announced on Tuesday February 4 a series of retaliatory measures aimed directly at American economic interests.
American hydrocarbons in Beijing’s crosshairs
China’s Ministry of Commerce has unveiled a new taxation regime that will take effect on February 10. Imports of coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States will now be subject to a 15% tariff. American oil is not spared, with a 10% tax that will also apply to other product categories.
China takes its case to the WTO, opening a new front against Google
In addition to customs measures, Beijing has also lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization, denouncing a serious violation of international rules by Washington. In a parallel development, the Chinese authorities have launched an anti-monopoly investigation against Google, stepping up the pressure on US technology companies.
A context of growing tensions
These announcements come in a particularly tense climate, after Donald Trump unleashed an all-out trade offensive on Saturday, imposing tariffs of 10% on Chinese products and 25% on Canadian and Mexican imports. A meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump is being considered, while Washington has temporarily suspended its measures against Canada and Mexico for a month.
Les hostilités de façade sont ouvertes. Quelques minutes après l’annonce de nouveaux tarifs douaniers de 10% sur les produits chinois importés aux US, la Chine annonce des mesures de rétortion contre les produits énergétiques américains (charbon, GNL), mais aussi et surtout sur… pic.twitter.com/oJsyI55kjJ
— Laurent Michelon Officiel (@LH_86_) February 4, 2025
Info éco – Etats-Unis – Chine : la guerre commerciale relancée
➡️ https://t.co/pSo8PU1D0l pic.twitter.com/N4LMBeVQCx— FRANCE 24 Français (@France24_fr) February 4, 2025