China's Ministry of Commerce called out the United States on Thursday for using tariffs as a “coercive tool,” sparking fresh concerns over a potential trade war. The move comes after the U.S. announced plans to impose “reciprocal tariffs” on trading partners—a strategy Beijing warns could derail global economies. 🚨
Why It Matters: International trade isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about collaboration, says spokesperson He Yadong. He emphasized that trade should boost growth and benefit people worldwide, not become a political weapon. 🌾📦
WTO Rules at Risk: The U.S. approach flouts World Trade Organization principles, including the most-favored-nation rule, which has governed global trade for decades. He Yadong argued this could “disrupt supply chains” and hurt economies already reeling from inflation and post-pandemic recovery. 💔
Global Backlash: Multiple countries have reportedly opposed the U.S. move, fearing a domino effect of protectionism. “Trade wars have no winners,” He stressed, urging Washington to ditch unilateral tactics and focus on “equal consultation.” 🤝
The Big Picture: With the U.S. and China accounting for nearly 40% of global GDP, their trade policies set the tone for markets worldwide. Analysts say rising tariffs could hit everything from tech gadgets to coffee prices. ☕💸
