Beijing: China announced a series of measures against U.S. companies on Tuesday, minutes after additional U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods took effect, intensifying the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies.
Beijing’s response included placing major U.S. firms such as Google, PVH Corp — the parent company of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger—and biotechnology firm Illumina on its “unreliable entity” list. The Chinese Commerce Ministry stated that these companies had taken “discriminatory measures against Chinese enterprises” and had “damaged” the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.
Firms added to this blacklist face potential penalties, including trade restrictions, financial sanctions, and the revocation of work permits for foreign employees operating in China.
Meanwhile, China’s State Administration of Market Regulation announced an anti-monopoly investigation into Google, citing suspected violations of the country’s competition laws. However, it did not provide further details on the alleged infractions. Although Google’s search engine and many of its services remain blocked in China, the company maintains partnerships with local advertisers and businesses.
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Neither Google, PVH, nor Illumina immediately responded to requests for comment outside of regular U.S. business hours.
PVH had already been under regulatory scrutiny in China for what authorities described as “improper” conduct related to the Xinjiang region.
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In a further escalation, China’s Ministry of Finance imposed 10% tariffs on certain U.S. farm equipment and automobiles, a move that could affect major American manufacturers such as Caterpillar and Deere & Co. These new tariffs are set to take effect on February 10.
The retaliatory measures underscore the deepening trade rift between Washington and Beijing, with both sides continuing to impose restrictions that could disrupt global supply chains and impact multinational businesses.
