President Donald Trump imposed the new levies, seeking to stem the flow of fentanyl precursors coming from Chinese chemical companies.
The 10 percent tariffs ordered by President Donald Trump on all goods imported from China went into effect on Tuesday, with Beijing responding with counter-tariffs on the same day.
The new levies on China are in addition to those imposed by Trump during his first administration, which range from 10 percent to 25 percent for various goods.
China’s Ministry of Commerce announced Tuesday it was implementing counter tariffs on multiple U.S. products, while announcing other trade-related measures, including an investigation into Google.
The communist regime said it would implement a 15 percent tariff on coal and liquified natural gas products, as well as a 10 percent tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-displacement cars.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation on Tuesday also announced—minutes after Trump’s 10 percent tariffs took effect—it is investigating Google on suspicion of violating antitrust laws.
Tariff Guidance
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials issued guidance on Monday to explain the new tariffs, and now the rules affect packages coming to the United States from China, including products from Hong Kong.
Exemptions previously allowed for low-value items—below $800—under so-called “de minimis” rules are no longer permitted.
The taxes do not apply to items intended for donations to relieve human suffering or to certain media products—including films, publications, and other informational materials.
All other products—including electronics, consumer goods, automotive, health and medicine, food and agriculture, energy, and automotive, among other industrial and manufactured items—are subject to the fees.
Driven by Fentanyl
Trump signed an executive order on Saturday imposing the tariffs on China as a response to the manufacture and distribution of chemicals that criminal networks can turn into fentanyl.
“[T]he Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which exerts ultimate control over the government and enterprises of the [People’s Republic of China], has subsidized and otherwise incentivized [Chinese] chemical companies to export fentanyl and related precursor chemicals that are used to produce synthetic opioids sold illicitly in the United States,” the order declares.
Trump accuses the communist regime of providing support and “safe haven” for criminal networks known to launder profits from the sale of fentanyl products.
