China Calls US Tariff Exemptions a “Small Step,” Urges Full Cancellation

China has responded to the United States’ recent announcement of tariff exemptions on select consumer electronics, largely imported from China, by calling it a “small step” in rectifying what it views as the “wrong practice” of imposing tariffs on Chinese goods, as per Al Jazeera.

The move comes amidst an escalating trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies that has sent shockwaves through global markets.

A spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a statement on Sunday, acknowledging that the country is currently assessing the impact of the exemptions, which cover smartphones, computers, and other electronics.

“China is now evaluating the impact,” the statement read.

The US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed on ABC’s “This Week” that these electronics, along with semiconductors potentially in the near future, would be subject to separate tariffs.

While welcoming the partial rollback, Beijing is urging Washington to completely eliminate all reciprocal tariffs.

“We urge the US to … take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ and return to the right path of mutual respect,” the Commerce Ministry statement added.

The Trump administration late on Friday granted exclusions from steep tariffs on electronics, imported largely from China, providing a big break to tech firms like Apple that rely on imported products.

The announcement follows the implementation of retaliatory Chinese tariffs of 125 percent on US goods, which took effect on Saturday. Beijing remains defiant, resisting pressure from its primary trade competitor.

The ongoing trade battle between Washington and Beijing has fueled anxieties of a prolonged trade war, triggering volatility in global markets. The repercussions have rippled through the U.S. economy, leading investors to shed government bonds and causing the dollar to weaken.

Despite the recent developments, US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer indicated on CBS Sunday that there are currently no plans for President Trump to engage in direct communication with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump, however, remained steadfast in his stance, asserting on his Truth Social platform on Friday that “we are doing really well on our tariff policy,” even after Beijing’s announcement of its latest tariff increase.