By Burnett Munthali
China has described the United States’ recent decision to grant tariff exemptions on smartphones and other electronic products as a “small step” toward correcting what it termed a misguided trade policy.
The exemptions, announced earlier today by U.S. trade authorities, are seen as part of Washington’s attempt to ease trade tensions with Beijing and reduce the financial burden on American consumers and tech companies heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturing.
In a swift reaction, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the move, while welcomed, is insufficient and reflects only a minor adjustment in a broader policy framework that has strained economic ties between the world’s two largest economies.
“The U.S. is beginning to realize the damaging impact of its unilateral and protectionist policies,” the ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
“This exemption is a small step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done to restore fair and mutually beneficial trade relations.”
The U.S. had imposed tariffs on a wide range of Chinese goods during the Trump administration’s trade war, many of which remained in place through President Biden’s term.
Critics have argued these tariffs hurt U.S. businesses and consumers more than their intended targets in China.
Analysts view the tariff exemptions as a strategic move amid ongoing efforts by both nations to stabilize their economic relationship while competing globally in technology and manufacturing.
China has called for a complete rollback of what it considers “illegitimate” tariffs and urged the U.S. to pursue dialogue.
