China Urges U.S. to Lift Tariffs Amid Ongoing Trade Tensions

China has called on the United States to lift tariffs imposed on its goods ahead of an expected announcement from the Biden administration on levy hikes. The U.S. has delayed its decision multiple times, citing the need for further review. Upcoming talks are scheduled to address this issue.

The Chinese commerce ministry called on the United States to immediately lift all tariffs on Chinese goods, emphasizing the urgency ahead of an anticipated announcement by the Biden administration on levy hikes for Chinese-made items, including electric vehicles.

Initially, the U.S. planned to implement higher duties on EVs, semiconductors, solar cells, lithium-ion batteries, steel, and aluminums by Aug. 1, but delays have continued as officials review over 1,100 public comments from the industry. The decision process, postponed several times, has now been affected by recent talks between White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China has consistently opposed the tariffs, with the commerce ministry terming them as 'adding insult to injury.' Ahead of more discussions, a China-U.S. commerce and trade working group is set to meet in Tianjin on Sept 7 to further explore the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)