China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) has called on the United States to take meaningful action by fully reversing its policy on so-called “reciprocal tariffs,” labeling the latest partial exemptions as merely a minor step in the right direction.
The remarks came after the US government issued a memorandum on April 12 announcing exemptions for certain categories of goods, including computers, smartphones, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and integrated circuits, from the contentious tariff regime.
A MOFCOM spokesperson commented on Sunday that the Chinese government is assessing the implications of the move. However, the spokesperson described the latest development as the second such policy adjustment since the US announced a suspension of steep tariff hikes on select trade partners on April 10.
While acknowledging the change, MOFCOM described it as a “small step” toward correcting the broader problem of the unilateral imposition of “reciprocal tariffs.” According to the spokesperson, this approach—enacted through executive order—violates fundamental economic principles, disrupts established trade relationships, and disregards international cooperation on supply and demand.
Since the introduction of the “reciprocal tariffs” on April 2, the policy has failed to address any of the issues it intended to solve. Instead, it has caused widespread disruption in global trade, interfered with regular business operations, and negatively impacted consumer behavior—ultimately doing more harm than good, MOFCOM said.
China reiterated its consistent stance that no one benefits from a trade war and that protectionist measures are not a viable solution. Citing a Chinese proverb, “Whoever tied the bell must untie it,” the spokesperson urged the US to acknowledge both domestic and global opposition to the tariffs.
The ministry called on Washington to take “a big step” toward correcting its course by fully eliminating the erroneous tariff practice and returning to a path of dialogue based on equality and mutual respect.
