Over the past week, global tariff policies have fluctuated significantly, with major economies engaged in constant trade friction over tariff hikes and adjustments. The US remains the key factor.

On one hand, U.S. Customs will launch a tariff refund system on April 20 to process duties previously ruled invalid, entering a substantial refund phase.

On the other hand, the U.S. Department of Commerce has issued a final anti-dumping ruling on Chinese chemical products, with duties as high as 159.04%, indicating intensified trade pressure on specific sectors.

The EU has reached a preliminary deal on steel safeguards, cutting import quotas by roughly 47% and raising tariffs on excess volumes to 50%, strengthening protection for its domestic steel industry.

Overall, this week’s global tariff shifts are characterized by selective tariff hikes for protectionism alongside adjustments to existing policies via refunds and legal rulings, as the trade environment remains in ongoing contention.