Only partial abolition
In consequence to the tightening of the trade war, Beijing imposed duties on US goods of 125%. Although the US has previously announced exceptions to customs duties for smartphones, computers and another devices and electronic components, China is now considering a akin step.
CNN contacted Chinese trade and abroad affairs ministries to get comment, nevertheless China has not officially announced the abolition of duties. An worker of a company importing semi-conductors from the U.S. informed that her company had received information about the abolition of duties from the local customs service.
According to unofficial information provided by Bloomberg, Chinese authorities may choose to abolish duties on medical equipment and any chemicals utilized in manufacture specified as ethane. Bloomberg points out that China is the largest plastic maker in the world, and any factories in this country depend on the mainly imported from the US ethane.
According to the same sources, China besides seeks to abolish duties on aircraft rental. Chinese carriers do not have all their aircraft and pay outside companies for their leasing. Additional duties could seriously harm their finances.
The Ministry of Finance of China and the Chinese customs service did not address this information. Bloomberg emphasises that there is no certainty that the list of Chinese exceptions will be yet implemented.
Talks. Are they or aren't they?
On Thursday, U.S. president Donald Trump reported that trade talks were underway with China. The Chinese Ministry of abroad Affairs previously denied that any trade talks would be conducted, stating that it was essential to abolish the "one-sided" duties imposed by Washington before they began.
MFA spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that the US had begun the ‘tariff war’ and Beijing's position remained unchanged. He added that China is ready to fight, but leaves the door open for discussion, provided that they are based on the principles of equality, respect and common benefit.
