China last week released its catalog of dual-use goods that will be subject to both import and export licenses for 2026, according to an unofficial translation of a Ministry of Commerce notice. The list, effective Jan. 1, includes various chemicals that can be used in chemical weapons, items used to make drugs, encryption technology, certain aircraft technology, and more.

Japan recently launched an investigation on whether to renew its antidumping duties on certain potassium hydroxide from South Korea and China, according to an unofficial translation of a notice from the country's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The orders, which exclude imports from Hong Kong and Macau, have imposed a tariff of 73.7% on mainland China and 49.5% on South Korea since 2016. They are set to expire in August, and the investigation is expected to be completed within a year. Japan said potassium hydroxide is used as a raw material for chemical fertilizers and detergents.

Thailand on Jan. 1 will end its import duty exemption for low‑value goods, which for years exempted imports worth less than about $45, according to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. HKTDC said the average Thai tariff rate for imports is about 10% and is expected to most significantly affect major online platforms that ship small parcels, such as Amazon and eBay.

China imposed tariffs of 55% on imports of beef beginning Jan. 1, the country's Ministry of Commerce announced Dec. 31, according to an unofficial translation. The measures, which will last three years, came at the end of an antidumping investigation instituted at the end of 2024. The tariffs are levied on top of the current rate and apply to imports of beef over a set quota of 2.7 million metric tons in total from all countries. The quota for U.S. imports is 0.164 million tons in the first year and will increase to 0.171 million tons by the third year.

China this week released its catalog of goods that will be subject to import licenses for 2026, according to an unofficial translation of a Ministry of Commerce notice. The list includes certain chemicals, chemical equipment, heavy machinery, papermaking equipment, electrical power equipment, food processing equipment and more.

China published its 2026 tariff plan this week, outlining new rates for hundreds of commodities while lowering duties on other items, the country's Ministry of Finance said Dec. 29, according to an unofficial translation.

Beijing is ordering its chipmakers to use at least 50% domestically made equipment for adding new semiconductor capacity as part of a push to build a self-sufficient semiconductor supply chain, Reuters reported Dec. 30. Chinese chipmakers seeking approval to build or expand their chip plants have been told in recent months that they "must prove through procurement tenders that at least half their equipment will be Chinese-made," the report said. The directive is forcing Chinese manufacturers to choose domestic suppliers "even in areas where foreign equipment from the U.S., Japan, South Korea and Europe remain available."

China on Dec. 26 sanctioned 20 U.S. defense firms and 10 executives in response to the State Department's approval of a host of arms sales to Taiwan earlier this month (see 2512180008). The designations target several major defense contractors, their subsidiaries and their senior employees, including Northrop Grumman Systems, L3 Harris Marine Services, Boeing, Sierra Technical Services, Red Cat Holdings and others. The sanctions block their assets in China and prohibit them from carrying out transactions with people or companies in China.

China adopted revisions to its Foreign Trade Law on Dec. 27, the Ministry of Commerce said, according to an unofficial translation. The revisions, effective March 1, include strengthened intellectual property protection measures and new language to "enhance the compliance and risk response capabilities of foreign trade operators regarding intellectual property rights," according to state-run news outlet Xinhua. "The revision also enriches and improves China's legal toolkit on struggles in foreign trade arena, and supplements and refines corresponding countermeasures."

Beijing last week criticized the Dec. 20 U.S. seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela (see 2512220044), calling it arbitrary and a violation of international law. "China stands against unilateral illicit sanctions that lack basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council, and against any move that violates the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, infringes upon other countries’ sovereignty and security, and constitutes unilateralism and bullying," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in response to a reporter's question during a regular press conference. "Venezuela has the right to independently develop mutually beneficial cooperation with other countries. We believe Venezuela’s position of defending its legitimate rights and interests has the understanding and support of the international community."