讀後心得

Trump announced a new 34% tariff on Chinese goods, and Beijing subsequently stated that it would impose the same import tariffs on all American products starting April 10 to achieve "reciprocal tariffs." Additionally, China has tightened controls on rare earths. Experts point out that China's extensive countermeasures serve as a clear warning to the United States, emphasizing that America's unilateralism may ultimately impact its own interests. American farmers will face significant pressure, as the tariffs imposed by China diminish the competitiveness of U.S. agricultural products. Major U.S. exports to China include soybeans and energy, and China is a crucial market for U.S. soybean exports. Furthermore, China's restrictions on rare earth exports could affect America's semiconductor and other high-tech industries. If the U.S. does not strengthen support for domestic manufacturing, it will face a more passive situation.

Trump announced a new 34% tariff on Chinese goods, bringing the total additional tariff rate to 54% this year. Beijing announced on April 4 that it would impose a 34% import tariff on all American products starting April 10, in response to Trump's “reciprocal tariff” rate. Meanwhile, Beijing has also taken several other measures, including implementing more controls on rare earth elements.

An analyst from a technology policy consultancy stated that China has typically responded to U.S. export restrictions with a "mirror response" targeting specific industries. However, the broader plan announced by Beijing this time serves as an important warning to the Trump administration to halt further actions.

Chinese state media recently published an article claiming that the U.S. imposing reciprocal tariffs violates fundamental economic laws and market principles, disregards the outcomes of multilateral trade negotiations, represents unilateralism and economic bullying, and will ultimately lead to self-destruction.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. exports of goods to China are projected to be $144.6 billion in 2024, far below the $439.7 billion in imports from China. Major industries for U.S. exports include electrical and electronic equipment, energy fuels, and oilseeds and grains.

Notably, China may be more confident in this countermeasure. Analysts point out that companies relying on U.S. suppliers have significantly reduced, and Beijing is also striving for technical self-sufficiency.

U.S. farmers will face immense pressure as the imposition of tariffs by Beijing may make agricultural exports too expensive and uncompetitive. Data shows that soybeans, oilseeds, and certain grains are the main U.S. export products to China, with total exports projected to reach $13.4 billion in 2024.

Regarding the impact on energy and manufacturing, the total value of various fuels and oil imported by China from the U.S. in 2024 is $14.7 billion. Tariffs may affect the oil and gas industry in Texas and elsewhere; official trade data shows that the U.S. exported about $15.3 billion in electrical machinery to China last year. However, due to the ongoing expansion of U.S. export controls on advanced technology, the export volume of semiconductors has declined.

In addition to tariffs, China has also restricted the export of rare earth elements and placed 27 U.S. companies on a trade sanctions list, which could become a future bottleneck affecting the manufacturing of semiconductors, magnets, and optical devices. An analyst noted that China currently controls approximately 69% of rare earth element mining and about 90% of refining.

As Washington and Beijing employ an increasingly wide array of tactics in their confrontation, analysts warn that without an industrial policy to increase funding for domestic manufacturing, the U.S. will be in a relatively vulnerable position when faced with China's corresponding controls.