United States – China: Tensions over tariffs on steel and aluminium

Washington has announced a 25% increase in customs duties on Chinese imports of steel and aluminium, a decision denounced by the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) as an act of trade protectionism.

In 2024, China exported only 890,600 tonnes of steel to the United States, or 0.8% of its total exports. The immediate impact seems limited, but CISA fears a domino effect, with other countries adopting similar measures, reducing the competitiveness of Chinese steel.

According to Zhang Longqiang, Deputy Secretary General of CISA, these tariffs risk distorting competition, masking inefficiencies in the US steel industry and disrupting global supply chains.

To counter these trade barriers, the Chinese steel industry is focusing on high-end products with a low carbon footprint. Beijing is also considering tax breaks to support its green steel exports.

Source: Reuters