Global Tariff Disputes and Trade Frictions Intensified Significantly in Mid-to-Late December.

On the China-US front, although the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) concluded that China’s semiconductor policies constitute unfair competition in its Section 301 investigation, it decided to refrain from imposing additional tariffs on Chinese semiconductor products for the time being. The current 0% tariff rate will be maintained, with the potential tariff hike postponed to June 2027. This move is regarded as a phased “buffer” against the backdrop of trade negotiations.

India has imposed a five-year anti-dumping duty on cold-rolled non-oriented electrical steel originating from or exported from China, with the measure targeting China exclusively.
Signs of tensions have also emerged in China-EU relations. Following China’s announcement of the preliminary ruling in the countervailing duty investigation into dairy products originating from the European Union, France quickly pushed the EU to adopt a retaliatory stance, urging the initiation of procedures to respond to China’s potential tariff measures.

Overall, countries are engaging in mutual games primarily through means such as anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties and tariff hike postponements. The global trade environment remained under persistent pressure towards the end of the year.