Trump Trade War: China slams US over tariff hike on India, calls out abuse of trade measures

In response to a question regarding US President Donald Trump’s executive order to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports over its Russian oil purchases, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that China’s opposition to the abuse of tariffs is “consistent and clear,” foreign media reported.

The comment came just a day after Trump signed the order, doubling the previously proposed tariff rate against Indian goods.

China defends nationals over Nvidia chip charges

When asked about reports that two Chinese nationals were charged with illegally transferring Nvidia-made AI chips to China in violation of US export restrictions, Guo Jiakun criticised Washington’s approach.

“China opposes the US politicising and instrumentalising tech and trade issues and using them as weapons to maliciously blockade and suppress China. China urged the US to earnestly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese nationals,” Guo said.

Also Read:Tracking Trump’s Tariff Tantrums: Who got hit around the globe and when? A quick recap  

Trump signs executive order doubling tariff on India

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25 per cent tariff on Indian imports, citing New Delhi’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil. The tariff hike, effective August 27, was confirmed by the White House.

The decision followed a warning Trump issued just a day earlier, threatening to double the existing levy within 24 hours. He accused India of “fueling Russia’s war machine” through its continued oil trade with Moscow.

In the executive order, Trump justified the tariff increase by invoking the ongoing national emergency under Executive Order 14066, which relates to the Ukraine conflict. “I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil,” Trump stated in the order.

Also Read: Trump Tariffs: Is a big announcement likely tonight? All eyes on upcoming US delegation visit  

Trump’s justification for tariff move

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent,” the executive order read.

Further justifying the move, Trump added: “I have received additional information from various senior officials on, among other things, the actions of the Government of the Russian Federation with respect to the situation in Ukraine…”

“…After considering this additional information, among other things, I find that the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066 continues and that the actions and policies of the Government of the Russian Federation continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.”

Also Read: Latest in Trump Tariff Turmoil: Duty on India doubled to 50% from 25%, effective August 27

“To deal with the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066, I determine that it is necessary and appropriate to impose an additional ad valorem duty on imports of articles of India, which is directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil…”

“In my judgment, imposing tariffs, as described below, in addition to maintaining the other measures taken to address the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066, will more effectively deal with the national emergency described in Executive Order 14066.”

India says energy imports are market-driven and essential

Hours after US doubled the levy on Thursday, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a formal statement reiterating its position.

“We have already made clear our position on these issues, including the fact that our imports are based on market factors and are carried out with the overall objective of ensuring the energy security of 1.4 billion people in India,” said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

“It is therefore extremely unfortunate that the US has chosen to impose additional tariffs on India for actions that several other countries are also taking in their own national interest,” Jaiswal added, calling the US action “unfair, unjustified, and unreasonable.”

“India will take all necessary actions to protect its national interests,” the statement concluded.

India–US ties face new pressure point

According to a report by the US-based Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Trump’s rhetoric has elevated India–US trade tensions into a significant domestic political issue—something not seen in over two decades.

With India and the US both heading into major election cycles, analysts suggest the tariff dispute could overshadow broader strategic ties and prompt retaliatory economic actions in the coming weeks.