U.S. Exempts Key Electronics from China Tariffs, China Calls for Full Elimination

China's Ministry of Commerce has urged the United States to completely eliminate retaliatory tariffs, following the U.S. announcement on April 12 that it would exempt certain products from these tariffs. The exempted products include computers, smartphones, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and integrated circuits. This move comes after the U.S. temporarily suspended high retaliatory tariffs on some trading partners on April 10.

The Ministry of Commerce stated that the U.S. exemption of certain products is a small step towards correcting its unilateral tariff policies. China is currently assessing the impact of this decision and has called on the U.S. to acknowledge the rational voices from the international community and domestic stakeholders. The ministry urged the U.S. to take substantial steps to rectify its erroneous tariff policies and return to a path of mutual respect and dialogue to resolve differences.

The ministry also noted that the U.S. has temporarily suspended high retaliatory tariffs on some trading partners, but this action does not change the fundamental nature of the U.S. using trade coercion to seek private gains. China has repeatedly called on the U.S. to cease its tariff games and engage in constructive dialogue to address trade issues.

The U.S. has previously raised tariffs on Chinese products to 41%, significantly higher than initially announced. China has responded with retaliatory measures, imposing tariffs of up to 125% on U.S. goods. The ministry reiterated that China will not engage in the U.S.'s tariff games and will continue to take necessary measures to protect its interests.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency announced that it will exempt certain electronic products, including smartphones, computers, laptops, servers, chips, memory, and semiconductor manufacturing equipment, from retaliatory tariffs. This exemption applies to products imported into the U.S. after May 5. Companies that have already paid retaliatory tariffs can apply for refunds. The ministry urged the U.S. to take further steps to eliminate all retaliatory tariffs and return to a fair and equitable trading relationship.