In a sharp escalation of the ongoing trade tensions, China announced on Friday it will impose a sweeping 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, effective April 10. The move is seen as a direct retaliation to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently introduced “Liberation Day” tariffs, which placed a matching 34% duty on Chinese exports.

The announcement came from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which described the U.S. action as a “typical act of unilateral bullying” and vowed to protect its national interests through legal and economic measures.

More Than Just Tariffs: China Tightens Grip on Rare Earth Exports

Alongside the import tariffs, China is tightening export controls on rare earth elements — critical materials used in electronics, EV batteries, aerospace, and defense industries.

Two key elements now under restriction are:

• Samarium, used in military aircraft and missile guidance systems.
• Gadolinium, commonly found in MRI scans and medical imaging.

These materials are vital to U.S. tech and defense sectors, and the new controls could have far-reaching implications.

U.S. Chicken Imports Under Fire

China also suspended chicken imports from two major U.S. suppliers — Mountaire Farms of Delaware and Coastal Processing — citing repeated detection of furazolidone, a drug banned in China. This adds to growing tensions in the agriculture and food trade sectors.

Trade Sanctions and Export Bans on 27 U.S. Companies

Beijing has expanded its trade crackdown by placing 27 American firms on its sanction and export control lists. This includes:

• High Point Aerotechnologies – a defense tech firm now banned from receiving “dual-use” goods.
• Universal Logistics Holdings – a publicly traded logistics firm facing export restrictions.

Of the 27, 16 companies are now prohibited from importing dual-use items, which have both civilian and military applications.

China Files WTO Complaint Against U.S. Tariffs

In a bold legal move, China has officially filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the U.S. tariffs. The Ministry of Commerce stated:

“The U.S. move violates WTO rules, undermines multilateral trade, and disrupts global economic stability. China strongly opposes this unilateral approach.”

Earlier Tariffs: Energy and Auto Sectors Also Affected

This isn’t the first wave of tariffs in recent months. Back in February, China had already slapped:

• 15% tariffs on U.S. coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG)
• 10% duties on U.S. crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine cars

What’s Next?

With China now targeting all American-made products and placing pressure on key industries, the trade war is entering a new, more intense phase. The world will be watching how Washington responds — and whether diplomacy can cool the rising heat.