AI-Summary – News For Tomorrow
New fees imposed by China on US ships docking in its ports began Tuesday, mirroring upcoming US fees on Chinese vessels. China cites “discriminatory” US measures as justification. Simultaneously, new US tariffs on Chinese timber, furniture, and cabinets also took effect. While the US claims communication lines remain open, China asserts the US can’t demand talks while imposing restrictive measures. China views US duties on its ships as a violation of a maritime agreement. These actions escalate trade tensions, reversing progress made in May to drop triple-digit tariffs. US tariffs on Chinese goods now face a 30% levy above initial levels, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.
News summary provided by Gemini AI.
New fees on US ships arriving in Chinese ports came into effect on Tuesday, as trade tensions between Washington and Beijing increase.
The charges – which China says aim to “safeguard its shipping industry” from “discriminatory” measures – apply to US-owned, operated, built, or flagged vessels but not Chinese-built ships, state media said.
It comes in retaliation as the US is set to start charging fees on Chinese ships arriving in its ports from 14 October.
Also on Tuesday, new US tariffs came into effect on imported timber, kitchen cabinets and upholstered furniture, much of which comes from China.
“The 100% tariff does not have to happen… The relationship, despite this announcement last week, is good. Lines of communication have reopened, so we’ll see where it goes,” said Bessent.
“China’s position is consistent. If there’s a fight, we’ll fight to the end; if there’s a talk, the door is open,” said a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson on Tuesday.
“The US cannot demand talks while simultaneously imposing new restrictive measures with threats and intimidation. This is not the right way to engage with China,” they said in a statement.
Chinese state media said the US duties on Chinese ships violated a maritime transport agreement between the two countries.
In May, the two sides had agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each others’ goods. which had raised the prospect of trade halting between them.
This left US tariffs on Chinese goods facing an added 30% levy compared with the start of the year, while US goods entering China face a 10% tariff.
