China’s commerce ministry has called on the United States to “completely cancel” its reciprocal tariffs, saying Washington should “correct its mistakes” and return to a path of mutual respect.
This comes after the US announced exemptions for consumer electronics and key chipmaking equipment.
The ministry described the exemptions as a “small step” and said China is evaluating the impact of the decision.
The exemptions will benefit US tech companies like Nvidia, Dell and Apple, which manufactures iPhones and other premium products in China.
According to senior RAND researcher Gerard DiPippo, the exempted items account for over 20% of Chinese imports.
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The trade war between the world’s two largest economies escalated this month when US President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs, including a 145% duty on Chinese goods.
China retaliated with 125% tariffs on US goods, effective Saturday.
Despite the exemptions, semiconductors may still face industry-specific tariffs, Trump suggested.
China’s commerce ministry criticized Trump’s tariffs, saying they “not only failed to solve any of the United States’ own problems but have seriously undermined the global economic and trade order”.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will embark on a five-day Southeast Asia tour, meeting with leaders from Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia.
China remains open to talks with the US, but the White House expects Beijing to initiate contact. Trump remains “optimistic” about securing a deal with China.
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