China Reportedly Plans Six Major Countermeasures to U.S. Tariffs

BEIJING — China is allegedly preparing a robust response to U.S. tariffs with six significant countermeasures, according to an unconfirmed report from a WeChat account linked to the state-run Xinhua news agency. The claims, circulating as of April 8, 2025, suggest Beijing is ready to escalate tensions in the ongoing trade war with Washington, though official confirmation from Chinese authorities remains absent.

The reported measures target key sectors of U.S.-China trade. First, China could impose steep tariff increases on American agricultural products, such as soybeans and sorghum—staples that have long been flashpoints in bilateral trade disputes. Second, a complete ban on U.S. poultry imports is said to be under consideration, potentially disrupting a multi-million-dollar market. Third, the suspension of cooperation on fentanyl-related issues could halt joint efforts to curb the flow of the deadly opioid, a rare area of collaboration between the two nations.

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Beyond goods, the countermeasures extend to services and intellectual property. The report claims China may introduce restrictions on U.S. service trade, though specifics remain unclear. Additionally, a ban on U.S. films entering the Chinese market—a cultural and economic blow—could further strain relations. Finally, an investigation into the intellectual property benefits enjoyed by U.S. firms operating in China might signal a broader crackdown on American businesses.

While the WeChat post aligns with China’s history of retaliatory trade actions, skepticism persists due to the lack of official corroboration. If implemented, these steps would mark a significant escalation in the tit-for-tat economic conflict, impacting industries and consumers on both sides. As global markets watch closely, analysts await Beijing’s next move to assess the true scope of this reported counteroffensive.

Key Points:

1. Reported Countermeasures: An unverified report from a WeChat account tied to China’s state-run Xinhua news agency claims Beijing is planning six major countermeasures against U.S. tariffs.
2. Agricultural Tariffs: China may impose significant tariff hikes on U.S. agricultural goods, including soybeans and sorghum, key exports in the trade relationship.
3. Poultry Ban: A complete ban on U.S. poultry imports is reportedly under consideration, potentially disrupting a valuable market.
4. Fentanyl Cooperation: The suspension of fentanyl-related collaboration with the U.S. could end a critical joint effort to combat the opioid crisis.
5. Service Trade Restrictions: Measures targeting U.S. service trade are mentioned, though details remain unspecified.
6. Film Industry Impact: A ban on U.S. films entering China could hit American entertainment exports and cultural influence.
7. IP Investigation: China might launch an investigation into the intellectual property benefits of U.S. firms operating within its borders, hinting at broader business restrictions.
8. Unconfirmed Status: The report, dated April 8, 2025, lacks official confirmation, raising questions about its credibility despite aligning with China’s past retaliatory trade tactics.
9. Potential Escalation: If enacted, these measures would intensify the U.S.-China trade war, affecting industries, consumers, and bilateral relations.