Beijing, Jan 13 — China on Tuesday warned of countermeasures after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 25 per cent tariff on countries that continue trading with Iran, a move that could threaten Beijing’s access to discounted crude oil and deepen trade tensions with Washington.
Analysts say the next stage could involve diplomatic engagements or retaliatory trade steps from affected countries.
On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social that “effective immediately, any country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a tariff of 25 per cent on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” a declaration he called “final and conclusive.”
Beijing, which is Iran’s largest trading partner and buys a significant share of its oil, said the tariff threat is coercive and unlawful.
“Tariff wars and trade wars have no winners,” a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington said on social media, asserting that China “firmly opposes any illicit unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction” and will act to protect its rights.
The announcement came amid widespread protests and unrest in Iran, spurring Trump’s announcement as part of broader U.S. pressure on Tehran.
What’s next in the dispute:
China’s position: Beijing rejects the tariff move as damaging to global trade and has signalled it may consider responses to defend its economic interests.
Global impact: Other major economies trading with Iran — including India, Turkey and the UAE — now face potential U.S. tariffs if they maintain ties with Tehran, creating uncertainty in global supply chains.
Trade relationships: China imports discounted Iranian crude, which helps ease energy costs, and analysts warn that disrupting this supply could have broader implications for energy markets and Beijing’s strategic planning.
U.S. legal context: Despite the bold tariff declaration, the White House has not released formal implementation details or clarified the legal basis, leaving questions over enforcement and exemptions.