The tariff war between China and the United States has escalated: from equalization to excessive countermeasures. Emergency response guide for trade with the United States: hedging strategies under the surge in customs clearance costs

Timeline of trade disputes from February to April 2025 and analysis of China’s combined punches.

US-China trade tariff timeline

——Evolution of tariff measures in the Sino-US trade war in 2025

February 4, 2025: The United States takes unilateral action to test China's restraint in response

The White House announced a 10% tariff increase on imports from China, Canada and Mexico, covering electronic products, machinery and equipment, consumer goods and other fields. This action is seen as the Trump administration's initial test of returning to the "trade war" strategy. The Chinese government did not immediately take direct countermeasures, but a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce stated that "all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard the rights and interests of enterprises", suggesting that the subsequent policy toolbox may be opened.

April 2, 2025: The US imposes "reciprocal tariffs", and China quickly retaliates

The Trump administration, citing "trade imbalance", announced a "reciprocal tariff" policy against all trading partners. Among them, China (including Hong Kong and Macao) became the main target and was subject to a 34% tariff. China responded quickly and accurately:

April 4: The State Council Tariff Commission announced that starting from 12:01 on April 10, a 34% tariff will be imposed on all imported goods originating in the United States. The tariff rate is exactly the same as that of the United States, and only a six-day buffer period is reserved for the effective date, demonstrating the determination to "fight back in kind."

April 9-10, 2025: China's countermeasures exceed the limit and escalate, and the tariff game heats up

Faced with continued pressure from the United States, China delivered two consecutive heavy blows within 48 hours:

1. April 9: The General Administration of Customs issued an emergency announcement to increase the tariff on US goods from 34% to 84%, effective from 12:01 on April 10. At the same time, an "exemption clause for goods in transit" was set up - goods shipped before 12:01 on April 10 and completed import declaration before 24:00 on May 13 can apply for the original tax rate. This move not only avoids impacting companies that have already shipped, but also forms a strong deterrent to subsequent trade.
2. April 10: The Ministry of Finance and the General Administration of Customs jointly issued implementation rules to clarify the declaration process, tax refund mechanism and dispute resolution rules for 84% of tariffs, ensure the operability of policy implementation, and send a signal of "long-term confrontation."

A combination of punches: a precise attack on the lifeblood of U.S. industries

In addition to the tariff war, China has simultaneously launched multi-dimensional countermeasures:

• Legal aspect: Sue the US tariff policy at the WTO and seek support from international rules;
• Weaponization of the supply chain: Adding US companies involved in the semiconductor and military industries to the export control list, and strictly restricting the export of rare earths and their products to the US;
• Agricultural pressure: Suspending the export qualifications of many US grain traders and meat companies to China, directly hitting the economic heart of Trump's "stronghold states".

Emergency Response Guide for Trade with the United States

——Risk-avoidance strategy under the surge in customs clearance costs

The current US tariff increase policy on China coupled with China's countermeasures has caused a sharp fluctuation in the customs clearance costs of enterprises in the short term. In order to avoid additional losses due to tax rate jumps or port delays, our company has sorted out the key time red lines and response plans based on the latest policies and practical experience. Please be sure to check the risks urgently in conjunction with the shipping plan:

1. Core rules for the U.S. to impose additional tariffs on China (updated on April 10, 2025)

(I) Adjustment of basic tax rate (please pay attention to customers shipping in full container)

The United States has imposed a cumulative basic tariff of 125% on some Chinese products. The specific implementation details are as follows:

Customs clearance time and surcharge ratio:

II. Adjustment plan for our LCL quotation (based on loading time)

In response to tariff fluctuations, freight quote adjustment rules will be implemented starting April 2024 (please consult your account manager for details)

3. Risk prediction and suggestions for the next month

(III) Price Fluctuation Risk

• Shipping costs are expected to increase further after April 10, so it is recommended that you prioritize early shipment.
• We will closely monitor US policy developments and do not rule out the possibility of additional tariffs in the short term.
• According to rumors, China and the United States have negotiated on tariff issues in Singapore and look forward to good progress.

(IV) Delay in customs clearance

Goods arriving at the port after May 27 may face high superimposed tariffs (20% + 84%). It is recommended that you adjust your shipping plan to avoid this high-risk period.

(V) Funding pressure control

Please reserve extra funds for paying customs duties (it is recommended to deposit 15% - 20% of the value of the goods) to prevent the goods from being detained due to insufficient funds.

IV. Our support measures

• Track U.S. customs policies in real time and get the latest updates for you as soon as possible.
• Provide personalized logistics solution optimization suggestions to help you reduce tariff costs.
• In case of emergency, you can contact our customer service and we will assist you in handling any abnormal customs clearance issues.

Please be sure to adjust your shipping plan and funding arrangements in a timely manner based on the above information!

If you need further assistance, please contact CEO Hotline: +8613823782286

Zhongnan Jinghang International will always work with you to meet challenges and do our best to ensure efficient customs clearance of goods!

Best wishes for your business!