贸易“战”又加码？连退三步后，美国再下狠手，对华加160%重税

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. Department of Commerce has confirmed a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 93.5% on Chinese anode-grade graphite, raising global concerns about the trajectory of U.S.-China trade relations [1] Group 1: U.S. Trade Policy - The U.S. trade policy has shown inconsistency, with past exemptions on tariffs aimed at alleviating domestic cost pressures and easing tensions with trade partners [3] - The recent decision to impose high tariffs on Chinese graphite appears abrupt, leading to confusion among global trade participants [3] - U.S. policymakers seem to lack a coherent long-term strategy, influenced by short-term interests and political considerations [3] Group 2: China's Role in Graphite Industry - China plays a crucial role in the global graphite industry, possessing abundant graphite resources and maintaining high production levels [4] - The U.S. heavily relies on China for graphite imports, with 59% of natural graphite and 68% of synthetic graphite sourced from China [4] - In the specific area of anode graphite, the U.S. is almost entirely dependent on Chinese imports due to stringent processing and purification technology requirements [4] Group 3: U.S. Interests Behind Tariffs - The imposition of high tariffs on Chinese graphite reflects a clear intention to protect domestic industries facing competition from China's high-quality and low-cost products [6] - The tariffs are also seen as a means for the U.S. government to increase fiscal revenue amid financial challenges [6] - Politically, the tariff strategy may serve to demonstrate a tough stance against China, appealing to certain interest groups, despite potential negative impacts on the U.S. economy [6] Group 4: China's Response and Strategy - China possesses significant advantages in its graphite industry, including a complete industrial system, advanced technology, and large production capacity [7] - In response to U.S. tariffs, China can explore other international markets and utilize various policy tools to balance trade relations [7] - China aims to strengthen international cooperation and diversify its trade partnerships to enhance its influence in global supply chains [7] Group 5: Future Outlook - The future of U.S.-China trade relations remains uncertain, with the recent tariff actions potentially destabilizing global supply chains and harming U.S. businesses and consumers in the long run [9] - The U.S. reliance on tariffs may not address underlying structural issues related to its industrial competitiveness and could provoke backlash from trade partners [9] - China is encouraged to maintain strategic focus on technological development and market diversification to solidify its position in the global supply chain [9]