Beijing stated that the United States committed during bilateral economic and trade consultations to limit replacement tariffs on Chinese goods to a maximum of 20%.
While Beijing maintains this commitment exists, the U.S. has not issued a separate official announcement regarding the 20% limit.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently finalized measures under a Section 301 investigation regarding imports allegedly linked to forced labor.
On July 23, the USTR announced additional tariffs affecting goods from 60 different economies.
Washington indicated that these Section 301 tariffs would replace duties previously imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and a Section 122 import surcharge.
Beijing characterized the investigation and associated tariffs as acts of protectionism and unilateralism.
Chinese countermeasures against the first round of U.S. tariffs involving fentanyl and reciprocal measures remain in effect.