The US will impose tariffs on chip imports from China in connection with Beijing’s “unreasonable” attempts to secure dominance in the semiconductor industry, the administration of US President Donald Trump has announced. The size of the tariffs will be announced at least 30 days before their introduction, which has been postponed until June 2027.
“China’s focus on dominating the semiconductor industry is unreasonable and burdens or restricts US trade, and therefore warrants action,” said US Trade Representative Jamison Greer in a statement.
The US authorities have been investigating Chinese chip imports for unfair trade practices throughout the year and have concluded that China has been engaging in such practices.
Beijing could use its control over the global semiconductor industry to exert economic pressure on other countries, the trade representative’s release said.
In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized the US for abusing tariffs and suppressing sectors of the Chinese economy.
Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that the American approach harms not only global supply chains, but also Americans themselves.
“If the US continues to do things its own way, China will resolutely take appropriate measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests,” the Financial Times quoted him as saying.
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Serhiy Kyslytsya discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between the two countries with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Liu Bin in Beijing.
“In Beijing, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Serhiy Kyslytsya held Ukrainian-Chinese political consultations with Assistant (Deputy) Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Liu Bin,” according to a statement from the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the report, the parties discussed topical issues on the bilateral agenda, outlined plans for further contacts at the highest and high levels, discussed ways to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, and issues of interaction within international organizations.
The interlocutors confirmed that mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity is the foundation of Ukrainian-Chinese relations.
“There was an in-depth exchange of views on the current situation related to the ongoing armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, as well as international efforts to achieve sustainable and lasting peace,” the statement said.
As part of his working visit to Beijing, Kislitsya also met with representatives of Chinese expert and analytical circles, as well as the diplomatic corps of partner countries.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in mainland China’s economy in January-November 2025 fell 7.5% year-on-year to 693.18 billion yuan ($98.5 billion), according to the Ministry of Commerce.
The manufacturing sector attracted 171.72 billion yuan, while the services sector attracted 506.29 billion yuan.
Meanwhile, Switzerland’s FDI rose 67%, the UAE’s 47.6% and the UK’s 19.3%. FDI in November increased 26.1% year-on-year. As reported, FDI in 2024 collapsed 27.1% to 826.25 billion yuan. This is the maximum decline in the history of counting (since 2008).
On 18 December, the Chinese authorities introduced an independent customs regime for Hainan Island, which allows for freer importation of foreign goods and expands the range of products eligible for zero tariffs, according to Xinhua.
This is one of the most significant steps in China’s efforts to promote free trade and greater economic openness, the publication notes.
The island, which covers an area of more than 30,000 square kilometres, has been declared a special customs control zone. The business environment for foreign companies here will be more in line with international standards, with lower taxes and production costs, as well as expanded access to services, including healthcare and education. Businesses will be able to use Hainan as a platform to enter the huge mainland Chinese market, Xinhua notes.
The list of goods exempt from customs duties at the port of Hainan has been expanded from 1,900 to 6,600, and the share of such goods in total shipments will increase from 21% to 74%.
In addition, in accordance with current regulations, these goods can be shipped to mainland China after processing, creating added value of at least 30%.
Hainan became a special economic zone in China in 1988. According to official data, more than 9,600 new enterprises with foreign investment have been established in the province since 2020.
Hainan’s GDP last year was $113 billion, which is comparable to the world’s 70th largest economy, according to the World Bank.
Imports of electric batteries and separators to Ukraine in January–November 2025 increased by 52% compared to the same period last year and amounted to $1.232 billion, according to the State Customs Service.
China remains the main supplier, accounting for $900.2 million (73.2% of the total volume), followed by Vietnam ($96.7 million, 7.9%) and Taiwan ($54.2 million, 4.4%). For comparison, in 2024, China accounted for 83.2% of imports, while the Czech Republic and Bulgaria accounted for 2.8% and 2.7%, respectively.
In November 2025, battery imports grew by 43.6% compared to November 2024, reaching $177.7 million, which is also 22.6% higher than in October.
At the same time, Ukraine exported batteries worth $47.6 million, which is 26% more than a year earlier. The largest buyers were Poland (32.7%), Germany (13%), and France (11.5%).
The increase in imports of battery systems is explained by steady demand from energy companies, telecom operators, and household consumers, as well as the effect of state subsidies for battery imports, approved in July 2024.
By the end of 2024, total imports of batteries to Ukraine had more than doubled to $950.6 million, and in 2025, they continue to grow rapidly thanks to the modernization of the energy system and the development of the market for autonomous power sources.
Barley exports from Ukraine between July and November of the 2025-2026 marketing year (MY, July-June) amounted to 1.2 million tons, which is 37% less than shipments during the same period of the 2024/25 MY and represents 46% of the projected export potential of grain, according to the information and analytical agency “APK-Inform”.
Experts noted that in November this year, barley exports from Ukraine amounted to 78.2 thousand tons, which is 50% less than in the same period a year earlier.
The main importers of Ukrainian grain in July-November were China, which purchased 42% of all shipments, Turkey with a share of 20%, and Libya (12%). At the same time, Turkey increased its imports of Ukrainian barley by 6.4 times in 2025/26 MY, purchasing 233 thousand tons compared to 36 thousand tons last season. Meanwhile, China and Libya reduced their barley purchases by 31% and 37%, respectively.
“The export potential of Ukrainian barley in 2025/26 MY is estimated at 2.5 million tons, which is 11% higher than last MY. The gross grain harvest is expected to reach 5.3 million tons,” according to APK-Inform’s forecast.
