The government said it would implement a 15% tariff on coal and LNG products, along with a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large-engine vehicles.
“The US's unilateral tariff increase seriously violates the rules of the World Trade Organization,” the ministry said in a statement. “It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems, but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US”
The move comes as a response to the 10% tariff on Chinese imports that President Donald Trump ordered, which was set to take effect Tuesday. Trump is expected to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the coming days.
Separately, China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced Tuesday it had launched an antitrust investigation into Google. While the statement did not reference tariffs, the timing of the probe was notable, as it was made public just minutes after Trump’s tariffs were enacted.