US Imposes 40% Tariffs on Transshipped Goods Targeting China, Sparking Global Trade Tensions

The US has introduced a sweeping new round of tariffs, including a 40% tariff on transshipments—goods routed through third countries to avoid direct tariffs—which is widely viewed as targeting China given its extensive global shipping networks. In addition, President Trump imposed tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% on goods from 69 trading partners, with Taiwan facing a 20% tariff, disappointing expectations of preferential treatment and raising concerns over potential economic concessions. China has condemned these measures, reiterating its long-held position that trade wars and protectionism harm all parties and warning that such actions will negatively impact global trade and fairness. Experts note that while the new tariffs are somewhat less severe for some smaller economies than previously threatened, they still represent a significant escalation in global trade barriers and leave many questions unresolved. Critics also warn that the transshipment tariff could create a significant paperwork burden for US businesses and might inadvertently hurt American allies. The move has provoked strong reactions from US trading partners and is likely to intensify trade tensions between the US and China.