China has called on the United States to “completely cancel” its sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, labeling Washington’s latest tariff exemptions a “small step” that falls short of restoring trade stability.

This demand follows the US decision to exempt consumer electronics and essential chipmaking tools from the 145% global tariff imposed earlier this month by President Donald Trump.

However, China was excluded from the 90-day tariff delay extended to most other nations, prompting Beijing to hit back with 125% retaliatory tariffs on US goods that took effect Saturday.

A spokesperson from China’s commerce ministry said Sunday:

“We urge the US to… take a big step to correct its mistakes, completely cancel the wrong practice of ‘reciprocal tariffs’ and return to the right path of mutual respect.”

Despite the new exemptions, which benefit companies like Apple, Dell, and Nvidia, Beijing remains firm, with its commerce ministry stating it is “evaluating the impact” of Washington’s decision.

Senior RAND researcher Gerard DiPippo noted that the newly exempted goods account for over 20% of Chinese imports to the US, including smartphones, laptops, and memory chips.

Meanwhile, President Trump suggested that additional tariffs on semiconductors might still be on the table, saying he would give a “very specific” update on Monday.

China continues to frame the US measures as destabilizing to global trade.

“Tariffs have seriously undermined the global economic and trade order,” the ministry added, claiming they “inflict serious harm on developing nations.”

In a broader diplomatic push, President Xi Jinping is set to begin a five-day Southeast Asia tour to strengthen ties with Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia, seeking to position China as a stable global trade partner.

Despite the trade standoff, both sides have left the door open for negotiation. While Trump remains “optimistic” about a potential deal, US officials insist China must make the next move.