La trade war between States United e China it flares up again. After putting tariffs with Mexico and Canada on hold, Beijing is not intimidated by the tariffs imposed by Trump and responds with a package of measures targeted, ranging from new tariffs on raw materials and equipment to restrictions on crucial resources, through official complaints to the World Trade Organization (WTO). With these moves, China is not only defending its economic interests, but is also sending a clear signal to Washington: it is ready to vigorously protect its economy but without giving up dialogue.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Atlantic, theEurope follows the developments closely. European leaders met in Brussels to discuss the trade defense. Despite their differences, everyone agrees on the importance of a united Europe in the face of global challenges. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stresses the urgency of diplomatic solutions to avoid an escalation that could harm everyone.
Tariffs on gas, coal and equipment: China's targeted response
One of China's first responses to US tariff policy is the introduction of rates on American products from February 10. These measures mainly focus on strategic raw materials that are key to China's energy industry, such as carbon and the liquefied natural gas (LNG), to which it is applied a 15% tax. But the answer doesn't stop there: the 10% of duty is applied to a long list of industrial goods, including Petroleum, machinery agricultural e cars, especially large-engined cars and pick-ups. This is not a blind retaliation, but a calibrated message from Beijing, which intends to protect its economy without resulting in an all-out trade war.
Strategic Minerals: Beijing Uses Tungsten as an Economic Weapon
In parallel, Beijing has decided to Strengthen export controls on crucial resources including tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum e Indian. These metals, essential for the production of weapons and semiconductors, are central to national security. The restrictions, which include a requirement to obtain an export license, take effect immediately.
Beijing, which dominates about 80% of the global tungsten market, is showing that it has all the cards in hand to leverage its strategic resources in international negotiations. This move, however, is calibrated so as not to compromise the stability of global supply, keeping the door open for dialogue.
Antitrust Investigation on Google: A Symbolic Move
China is also raising the stakes on a symbolic level, opening up an antitrust investigation into Google. Although the tech giant has not operated in China since 2010, this action reiterates Beijing’s determination to counter anti-competitive practices by large US companies. It is not just an attack on Google, but a statement of intent: Beijing is not willing to give up ground in the technology sector and continues to fight to preserve its innovation policies.
Chinese Blacklist: PVH and Illumina in China’s grip
Even on the direct trade front, China is hitting some US companies, including them in the Chinese blacklist of “unreliable entities.” These include PVH Corp., owner of brands such as Tommy Hilfiger e Calvin Small, and Illumina Inc., a leader in the biotechnology sector.
PVH is accused of violating trade laws and adopting discriminatory practices against Chinese companies, particularly for the treatment of cotton from the Xinjiang region. Beijing, at the center of accusations for alleged human rights violations in that region, reiterates the decision as a measure to protect "national sovereignty, security and development interests".
Complaint to WTO: China Relies on Law
China has decided to take its battle against the United States to the legal level as well. It has in fact presented a official complaint to the World Trade Organization, arguing that the US actions are illegitimate and malicious. In this context, Beijing has invoked the dispute resolution mechanism provided by the international body to defend its “legitimate rights and interests”.
Beijing warns: “duties justified, but we are ready for dialogue”
China is wasting no time and, through a Chinese Embassy Statement in the United States, defines its own measures as "needed, justified and in line with international law.” According to Beijing, the US tariffs were imposed with the fentanyl pretext, but the Chinese government defends its commitment to fighting drug trafficking, claiming China's role as one of the world's toughest countries in this field. Beijing also calls on Washington to solve its fentanyl problem in a rational way, avoiding using the threat of tariffs against other countries. The message is clear: China is willing to cooperate, but only if the United States corrects the mistakes in its approach.
