Ministry of Commerce responds to recent U.S. tariff adjustments: Will decide on appropriate countermeasures based on the situation

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce answers questions from reporters regarding recent U.S. tariff adjustments.

Q: On February 24, 2026, early morning Eastern Time, U.S. Customs stopped collecting tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, according to relevant U.S. announcements, and imposed an import surcharge on all trading partners under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. What is China’s comment on this? Will China take corresponding measures?

A: We have noted the situation. In early February and April 2025, the U.S. imposed a 10% “fentanyl” tariff and a 34% retaliatory tariff on Chinese goods under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, with 24% of the retaliatory tariffs suspended, resulting in an actual tariff level of 20% on China. According to the Supreme Court’s ruling on the tariff lawsuit and relevant administrative orders and announcements from the U.S. government, the U.S. has ceased collecting the above tariffs, but has also imposed a 10% import surcharge under Section 122. China also notes that the U.S. has stated on multiple occasions that it will use investigations under Sections 301 and 232 to impose tariffs. China is closely monitoring and will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the U.S. measures, and will decide on appropriate countermeasures regarding the original fentanyl tariffs and retaliatory tariffs based on the situation. China reserves the right to take all necessary measures to firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests.

China has always opposed all forms of unilateral tariff measures and urges the U.S. to cancel and cease imposing such unilateral tariffs. Practice has repeatedly proven that mutual benefit and win-win cooperation serve the interests of both China and the U.S., while confrontation harms both sides. China is willing to engage in frank consultations with the U.S. during the upcoming 6th China-U.S. Economic and Trade Consultations. We hope the U.S. and China will work together to uphold the consensus reached by the two heads of state at the Busan summit and during the February 4 call, based on mutual respect and equal consultation, to address each other’s concerns, properly manage differences, and maintain the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations.

(Source: CCTV News Client)