China Issues Demand to the USA

China has called on the United States to cancel the so-called "reciprocal" tariffs and to thoroughly review the mistakes made in trade policy. This was announced today by the Ministry of Commerce of China, as reported by RIA Novosti.

"China insists that the United States should unilaterally cancel the 'reciprocal' tariffs and demands a complete abandonment of incorrect measures," the statement from the ministry said.

On April 2, Trump signed an order imposing reciprocal tariffs on products imported from other countries. The minimum rate was set at 10%. Moreover, higher rates were established for most countries, calculated based on the trade deficit figures with specific countries in relation to the United States, as clarified by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, in order to achieve balance instead of a deficit.

In response, China imposed additional tariffs on American goods amounting to 34%, which it increased to 84% by April 10. In response, Trump pledged to impose new tariffs if Beijing did not abandon its retaliatory measures and stated that he did not intend to negotiate until China had canceled the tariffs.

The White House press secretary, Caroline Levitt, announced that the U.S. had raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 104% this week. On April 9, Donald Trump announced a further increase to 125%.

In response, the Tariff and Classification Committee of China, which is affiliated with the State Council, announced that symmetric tariffs would be imposed on American goods starting from April 12, also at the 125% level.