BEIJING (Reuters) – China on Friday imposed a tariff on imports from the United States of an acid widely used in food, feed, pesticides and medical applications, amid heightened tensions with Washington over bilateral trade.
From Saturday, propionic acid imports from the United States will be subject to a 43.5% tariff, the Commerce Department said in a statement, after a July investigation found China’s domestic propionic acid industry had been “materially damaged.”
A trade dispute between the world’s two largest economies has intensified despite recent diplomatic visits.
In a recent salvo, the US threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese steel imports and pressured Mexico to ban China from selling its metal products indirectly to the US.
China’s Commerce Ministry said Thursday it strongly objects to the US raising tariffs and will take all necessary measures to protect its rights and interests.
