China has announced tariffs on several U.S. products and launched an antitrust investigation into Google, escalating trade tensions with the United States as President Donald Trump’s 10% tariffs on Chinese goods take effect.
On Tuesday, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) stated it would impose a 15% tariff on coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG), along with a 10% tariff on crude oil, farm equipment, and large-displacement vehicles.
“The U.S.’ unilateral tariff increase seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization,” the ministry said in a statement. “It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.”
In a separate move, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced an antitrust probe into Google over suspected violations of competition laws. The investigation was revealed just as Trump’s tariffs came into force, though he indicated he plans to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming days.
The Chinese measures come shortly after Trump agreed to delay planned tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days, following commitments from both nations to bolster border security and combat drug trafficking.
China had previously warned of “necessary countermeasures” in response to Trump’s tariffs, which the U.S. justified by accusing China of failing to curb the production of precursor chemicals for fentanyl. The new Chinese tariffs and the Google investigation are set to take effect on February 10.
