China Strikes Back: Tariffs on U.S. Goods & Antitrust Probe Into Google/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ China announced new tariffs on U.S. goods and launched an antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday, just as President Donald Trump’s 10% tariffs on Chinese imports took effect. The countermeasures include tariffs on crude oil, natural gas, and agricultural machinery, export restrictions on critical minerals, and placing U.S. firms on China’s unreliable entities list. Experts warn this could trigger a prolonged trade war.
China Retaliates Against U.S. Tariffs: Quick Looks
- China imposes 15% tariffs on U.S. natural gas & coal, 10% on crude oil & auto parts.
- Antitrust investigation launched into Google, targeting its Android business.
- China tightens export controls on critical minerals used in high-tech production.
- Trump’s 10% tariffs on Chinese goods took effect Tuesday, as Mexico secured a 30-day tariff pause.
- U.S. brands PVH Group (Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein) & Illumina added to China’s ‘unreliable entities list’.
- Economists fear an escalating trade war could slow global GDP growth & raise U.S. inflation.
- Trump plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming days.
China Strikes Back: Tariffs on U.S. Goods & Antitrust Probe Into Google
China Strikes Back at U.S. Tariffs With Economic & Tech Measures
China Imposes New Tariffs on Key U.S. Industries
In response to Trump’s import taxes, China announced counter-tariffs targeting U.S. energy, auto, and manufacturing sectors.
New Chinese Tariffs (Effective Next Monday):
- 15% tariff on U.S. natural gas & coal.
- 10% tariff on U.S. crude oil, agricultural machinery, & large-engine vehicles.
“The U.S.’s unilateral tariff increase seriously violates WTO rules,” China’s State Council Tariff Commission said in a statement.
While China imports limited amounts of U.S. natural gas and cars, the tariffs signal economic retaliation and could impact U.S. energy exports in the long run.
Google Targeted in Antitrust Investigation
- The investigation focuses on Google’s Android operating system and its business practices with Chinese smartphone makers.
- While Google’s search engine is already banned in China, Android remains widely used in Chinese mobile devices.
“China is expanding beyond trade retaliation—it’s targeting the U.S. tech industry,” said Beijing-based economist John Gong.
China Restricts Exports of Critical Minerals to U.S.
China also announced new export controls on:
- Tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum, and indium—all essential for semiconductors, defense systems, and renewable energy technology.
“The U.S. depends on China for critical minerals—this could cause real harm,” said economist Philip Luck from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
U.S. Companies Blacklisted by China
China placed two American companies on its unreliable entities list, restricting their ability to do business in China:
- PVH Group (Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein)—accused of boycotting Xinjiang cotton.
- Illumina (biotech firm)—targeted for unspecified “national security concerns”.
“China is pressuring U.S. companies to influence Washington’s policies,” said George Chen, The Asia Group.
Could a Trade War Escalate Further?
While Mexico secured a temporary tariff pause with Trump, China is preparing for a prolonged trade battle.
Economist Stephen Dover warns:
“A prolonged U.S.-China trade war could lower global GDP, increase U.S. inflation, and push up interest rates.”
Despite these tensions, Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to hold talks soon.
What’s Next?
- Will Trump & Xi’s talks ease tensions, or will tariffs escalate further?
- How will the U.S. respond to China’s Google probe & tech restrictions?
- Will other U.S. companies face Chinese trade penalties?
The U.S.-China trade war is heating up, with global economic consequences at stake.
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