Jakarta, ThedailyID — China has warned that it could retaliate if the United States imposes an additional 7.5% tariff on Chinese imports.
China’s Ministry of Commerce accused Washington of politicizing economic and trade issues. The ministry described the move as unilateralism and protectionism.
“China firmly opposes this,” spokesperson Huang Ling said during a regular press briefing in Beijing on Thursday (Aug. 27), according to Anadolu.
Beijing said it would closely monitor the US government’s next steps. China also reserved the right to take any necessary measures in response.
The warning follows reports that the US is considering an additional 7.5% tariff on goods from China. The proposed measure comes amid US concerns over China’s manufacturing overcapacity.
However, the final tariff rate has not yet been decided.
In March 2026, the US Trade Representative (USTR) released a Section 301 investigation into manufacturing practices in China and 15 other economic partners.
The investigation also covered Indonesia, the European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand.
China rejected the findings, particularly the claims over industrial overcapacity. Beijing argued that global production and demand should be assessed from an international perspective.
China also maintained that production exceeding domestic consumption does not automatically indicate excess capacity.
The US currently applies a replacement tariff of 12.5% on Chinese goods. If Washington adds another 7.5%, the combined tariff rate would reach around 20%.
The potential increase could further strain trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.
