China’s 34% Tariff on U.S. Goods and Rare Earth Curbs
Why in the news
China answered the U.S. tariffs with duties, mineral curbs, company sanctions and a WTO complaint, widening the trade war.
Key facts
- Tariff: 34% on all U.S. goods from 10 April 2025.
- Samarium is used in aerospace and defence; gadolinium in MRI scans.
- 27 firms added to sanction or export control lists; 16 barred from dual-use goods (civilian and military use).
Other measures
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Poultry | Four U.S. exporters suspended after banned drug furazolidone was found |
| Sorghum | C&D Inc. barred over high mould |
| Listed firms | High Point Aerotechnologies; Universal Logistics Holdings |
| WTO | Complaint that the 34% reciprocal tariff breaks multilateral trade rules |
Significance
- Dispute widens beyond tariffs; defence, logistics and rare-earth-dependent tech are at risk.
Exam angle
- 34%, April 10; samarium and gadolinium; WTO.