China mulls countermeasures against US tariffs: sources

China is studying a series of "strong, multi-pronged" countermeasures, including both tariff and non-tariff options, against the latest round of sweeping tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump's administration, sources told China Daily.

The countermeasures include tightening controls on critical materials essential for US high-tech manufacturing and defense projects, including rare earths, gallium, germanium and antimony, according to two sources familiar with the matter who requested anonymity.

Beyond non-tariff measures, China is considering additional retaliatory tariffs on US products, particularly agricultural goods. Having already imposed tariffs on key US farm products, China is weighing further increases.

All sources indicated Beijing's countermeasures would combine "quick and targeted tactics" with a "multifaceted, long-term framework", while remaining open to negotiations if the US shows flexibility.

"Aware of the Trump administration's tariffs, Beijing had already prepared numerous measures, including both countermeasures and financial tools to maintain domestic market stability," a source said.

The comments were made after Trump signed an executive order Wednesday implementing "reciprocal tariffs", including a 10-percent minimum baseline tariff and higher rates for certain trading partners.

The policy includes tariffs as high as 49 percent on imports from Cambodia, 46 percent from Vietnam, 34 percent from China, 24 percent from Japan and 20 percent from the European Union.

In response, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday that China strongly opposes the move and will "firmly take countermeasures to safeguard its own interests".

chengyu@chinadaily.com.cn