China Fires Back at U.S. With Its Own 15% Tariffs

The trade war that was on, then off, is now back on again as China responded to U.S. import tariffs Tuesday by slapping a 15% duty on selected American exports.

After Mexico and Canada made some concessions that were, in part, already under way, President Donald Trump backed off his plan to impose 25% tariffs on the two key U.S. trading partners (with a smaller 10% tariff on Canadian oil imports) but kept a 10% levy on China.

The country hit back with tariffs on items including American coal, liquefied natural gas and some cars, as well as placing curbs on exports like tungsten and molybdenum that are critical in the manufacture of electronics. China also said it would begin an investigation into Google for alleged monopolistic behavior that could affect the U.S. company’s dealings with Chinese electronics companies.

China’s tariffs are more targeted than the retaliatory ones threatened by Mexico and Canada that would have affected a broader array of consumer items, including groceries and gasoline. It’s unclear whether they are designed to affect key industries in the U.S. or perhaps just a negotiating tool.