A Sharp Response to U.S. Tariffs
China will introduce a 34% tariff on all U.S.-made goods, effective April 10.
The move comes in direct response to the U.S. imposing an identical tariff on Chinese imports earlier this week.
With previous duties still in place, the total tariff rate on Chinese goods entering the U.S. could now exceed 50%.
Beijing called the U.S. action unilateral and damaging.
In protest, China has filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
Officials warned the U.S. strategy violates international trade rules and undermines global market stability.
Beyond Tariffs: Export Bans and Blacklisted Firms
China is also tightening export restrictions on rare earth elements, such as samarium and gadolinium.
These materials are vital for technology, medical devices, and military equipment.
In a separate move, China suspended poultry imports from two American producers after detecting banned substances.
At the same time, it added 27 U.S. companies to trade control lists.
Those include High Point Aerotechnologies and Universal Logistics Holding, now facing strict export limitations.
Sixteen of the listed firms are barred from shipping dual-use goods that can serve both civilian and military purposes.
This follows earlier tariffs from February on U.S. coal, liquefied natural gas, agricultural machinery, and large vehicles.
Global Markets Reel from the Fallout
The deepening trade conflict has rattled investors across the globe.
The S&P 500 fell 4.8%, while the Nasdaq 100 dropped 5.4%—the steepest daily losses since mid-2020.
Markets in Europe also tumbled:
Germany’s DAX slipped nearly 5%, the FTSE 100 fell 4.3%, and France’s CAC 40 dropped 4%.
Meanwhile, U.S. stock futures slid more than 3% in overnight trading.
Export-heavy sectors—especially pharma, energy, and agriculture—now face mounting uncertainty as tensions continue to escalate.