Economy

CRU: China hits back with retaliatory tariffs on US
Written by CRU Group
February 7, 2025
China has announced it will impose duties of 15% on imports of coal from the United States, and apply tighter restrictions to exports worldwide of some critical materials.
The tariffs are in response to US President Donald Trump placing 10% levies on Chinese imports into the United States from Feb. 4.
Though not a major US coal importer, the value of shipments of metallurgical coal from the United States increased by almost a third to $1.84 billion (€1.77 billion) in 2024, according to customs data.
China’s measures will take effect on Feb. 10 and will also include 15% tariffs on liquified natural gas (LNG) and 10% on crude oil, farm equipment and some cars from the US.
The tighter export controls apply to molybdenum, tungsten, tellurium, bismuth and indium. Companies must seek approval from authorities to ship them out of China, the commerce ministry said, describing the measures as being necessary for the country’s national security and interests.
This was first published by CRU. To learn about CRU’s global commodities research and analysis services, visit www.crugroup.com.
CRU Group
Read more from CRU GroupLatest in Economy

Construction adds 13,000 jobs in March
The construction sector added 13,000 jobs, seasonally adjusted, in March, but tariffs could undermine the industry.

Supply chains, end-users brace for impact from tariffs
Supply chains are working through what the tariffs mean for them

ISM: Manufacturing expansion loses steam after two months of growth
US manufacturing activity slowed in March after two straight months of expansion, according to supply executives contributing to the Institute for Supply Management (ISM)’s latest report.

Chicago Business Barometer rose to 16-month high in March
The Chicago Business Barometer increased for the third-consecutive month in March. Despite this, it still reflects contracting business conditions, as it has since December 2023.

Durable goods orders rise again in February
Transportation equipment led the increase, rising 1.5% to $98.3 billion.