China Opposes New Biden Tariffs, Vows Action in Response to Electric Vehicle, Steel, Aluminum, Semiconductor Imports

In response to new tariffs imposed by the Biden administration on imports of electric vehicles, steel, aluminum, semiconductors, battery components, critical minerals, solar cells, cranes, and medical products from China, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that China strongly opposes the unilateral imposition of tariffs that violate World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and would take all necessary actions to safeguard its legal rights. Specifically, EVs imported from China will face a tariff rate of 100%, up from the current 27.5%. The new tariffs, which also include a 50% tariff on solar components, aim to counteract what the administration views as Beijing’s practice of encouraging low prices among domestic EV manufacturers while imposing a 40% tariff on US car imports. These measures are scheduled to be implemented over the next two years. As China’s global trade surplus continues to climb, reaching nearly $1 trillion annually, tensions with the US and EU have increased, with leaders from the G7 set to discuss ways to safeguard local industries at their upcoming summit. However, Wang emphasized that the growth of China’s new energy industry, including EVs, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products, is driven primarily by technological innovation, competitive industrial and supply chains, and free market principles rather than subsidies. This is a developing story, and additional updates may follow.