China says US tariffs could trigger humanitarian crisis in developing countries
Photo: Least developed countries face some of the biggest risks from US tariffs (Getty Images)
China’s Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao stated that the constant imposition of tariffs by the US will severely harm developing countries. This could even lead to a humanitarian crisis, reports Bloomberg.
Yesterday, Wang held a video call with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Ngozi Okonjo. During the conversation, the official made the following statement:
"China’s 'decisive countermeasures' are to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, and to also uphold fairness and justice in the international community," Bloomberg quotes Wang Wentao.
Today, he stated that WTO members must unite to resist unilateral actions, protectionism, and intimidation through open cooperation and multilateral actions. According to him, the least developed countries face some of the greatest risks from US tariffs.
Separately, Wang also held a video call with Brazil's Minister of Development, Industry, Foreign Trade, and Services Geraldo Alckmin. The two exchanged views on issues such as strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, as well as responding to tariffs imposed by the United States.
Trump's tariffs
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of reciprocal tariffs against most of Washington's trading partners. Soon after, he suspended the decision for 90 days, but the suspension did not apply to China.
On Wednesday, April 9, Trump stated that the US had raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 125% and that the decision had already come into effect. He also explained that the tariff increase was due to China's lack of respect for global markets.
In response, Beijing also raised tariffs on all US goods from 84% to 125%. Reuters reported that the tariffs would take effect starting today, April 12.
