China to impose tariffs of 34% on all US goods from Apr 10

BEIJING: China on Friday (Apr 4) announced a slew of additional tariffs and restrictions against US goods as a countermeasure to sweeping tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump.

The commerce ministry said it would impose additional tariffs of 34 per cent on all US goods from Apr 10.

Agriculture trade took another hit as Chinese customs imposed an immediate suspension on imports of sorghums from grain exporter C&D (USA) Inc, as well as poultry and bonemeal from three US firms.

Beijing also announced controls on exports of medium and heavy rare-earths, including samarium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, gadolinium - commonly used in MRIs - and yttrium - used in consumer electronics - effective Apr 4.

"The purpose of the Chinese government's implementation of export controls on relevant items in accordance with the law is to better safeguard national security and interests, and to fulfill international obligations such as non-proliferation," the commerce ministry said in a statement.

China produces around 90 per cent of the world's refined rare earths, a group of 17 elements used across the defence, electric vehicle, clean energy and electronics industries. The United States imports most of its rare earths, and most come from China.

The move, which affects exports to all countries, not just the US, is the latest demonstration of China's ability to weaponise its dominance over the mining and processing of the critical minerals.