A new wave of trade policy shifts is quietly reshaping global commerce. In February 2025, both China and the United States introduced major measures across tariffs, export controls, and trade facilitation, signaling a new phase of strategic competition and policy recalibration in global trade.
These developments—ranging from U.S. tariff hikes to China’s export controls and trade facilitation reforms—collectively reveal a rapidly evolving trade landscape where security, resilience, and innovation are becoming as important as efficiency.
01. U.S. Tariff Policy Adjustments: From Imposition to Refinement
On February 1, the U.S. President signed an executive order imposing an additional 10% ad valorem tariff on all Chinese goods, effective February 4—marking a further tightening of U.S.–China trade relations.
All Chinese-origin products lost eligibility for duty-free treatment under the de minimis rule, directly impacting cross-border trade flows.
However, a follow-up order on February 5 introduced temporary relief, allowing previously qualified items to retain de minimis exemptions until a new tariff processing system is fully operational—reflecting a pragmatic approach to enforcement.
Subsequently, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clarified that products from China (including Hong Kong) are excluded from administrative tariff exemptions, solidifying the stricter implementation framework.
02. China’s Export Controls: Strategic Measures on Critical Minerals
On February 4, China’s Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs jointly announced export controls on key minerals including tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum, and indium—effective immediately.
According to officials, the move aligns with international practice and reflects China’s dual focus on development and security.
As a leading producer and exporter of these materials, China aims to safeguard national interests, ensure global supply chain stability, and fulfill non-proliferation commitments.
The new policy allows compliant exports under license, signaling a regulated and transparent rather than prohibitive control approach.
03. Trade Facilitation: China’s Coordinated “Policy Package”
Amid external uncertainties, China launched a series of trade facilitation measures throughout February to support steady, high-quality growth in foreign trade.
On February 7, the Export-Import Bank of China issued new policies to strengthen the manufacturing-based trade system, enhance logistics and digital trade infrastructure, and foster emerging models such as cross-border e-commerce and overseas warehouses.
Later in the month, three government agencies introduced customs clearance reforms at major airports in regions including the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, Greater Bay Area, and Chengdu–Chongqing.
These measures expand 24/7 clearance services and “green channels” for high-tech equipment, raw materials, pharmaceuticals, and biological products, improving overall trade efficiency.
04. The New Global Trade Landscape: Balancing Competition and Stability
The U.S. removal of the $800 duty-free threshold for Chinese goods has disrupted cross-border e-commerce, pushing companies to restructure supply chains and adjust pricing.
Some logistics firms, such as Royal Logistics Group, have already introduced new customs fees and tariff deposits—costs that will likely reach end consumers.
In contrast, China’s policies reflect greater coordination and long-term strategic planning.
From financial support for exporters to customs modernization, the country is building a comprehensive framework to stabilize trade, expand global partnerships, and reinforce economic resilience.
As the global trade paradigm evolves, the balance between security and development is becoming the central theme.
For enterprises, adaptability and innovation will define success in this new era—where global trade shifts from pure efficiency toward a more balanced, secure, and sustainable model.
