China increases pressure on the US: antitrust investigation against Google and new duties on US goods
China has announced the launch of an antitrust investigation against Google in response to US President Donald Trump's imposition of a 10% duty on Chinese goods. This was reported by the State Administration of China for Market Regulation.
Here's What We Know
According to an official statement, Chinese regulators are checking Google for possible violations of antitrust laws. Although the company's search and internet services have been blocked in China since 2010, it continues to operate in the advertising sector there.
"As Google is suspected of violating the Anti-Monopoly Law of the People's Republic of China, the State Administration for Market Regulation has launched an investigation in accordance with the law," the agency said in a translated statement.
In addition, China has imposed an additional 15% duty on imports of coal and liquefied natural gas from the US, as well as a 10% duty on oil and agricultural equipment. The restrictions also affected the US companies PVH Corp. (owner of Calvin Klein) and Illumina, which were added to the list of restricted entities. Export controls were also imposed on tungsten-related materials.
Trump's tariffs, which he justified by fighting drug trafficking, have again exacerbated trade relations between the US and China.
On Saturday, 1 February, Donald Trump signed a decree to impose import duties of 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico and 10% on Chinese products starting on Tuesday. According to Trump, the reason for this decision was the illegal migration and transit of the drug fentanyl, which he promised to combat during his election campaign.
