China Criticizes UK–US Trade Deal for Targeting Chinese Goods, Signals Rising Geopolitical and Trade Risks

China has condemned the newly signed UK–US trade agreement, asserting that it is structured to exclude Chinese products from British supply chains and provides tariff relief to the UK only if it complies with US-imposed security measures targeting China. The deal maintains a significant trade imbalance: while UK tariffs on US goods are reduced, US tariffs on UK imports remain high. UK businesses, especially in steel, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, face continued pressure due to these tariff disparities. U.S. export sectors, particularly agriculture and technology, benefit from increased access to the UK market. In response, China has accelerated efforts to reduce foreign technology in its supply chains and has announced lower, retaliatory tariffs on certain US goods. Meanwhile, a temporary truce in the broader US–China trade conflict has led to reduced tariffs: US tariffs on Chinese imports are now 40% and could fall further with ongoing cooperation, while China’s tariffs on US goods, especially energy and agriculture, stand at 10%. China’s foreign ministry emphasised that international trade policy should not harm third parties, referring directly to its exclusion. This evolving trade landscape intensifies geopolitical tensions, threatens global supply chain security, and complicates market access, creating uncertainty for forex, equities, and crypto markets. Crypto traders should closely monitor policy shifts affecting global risk sentiment, capital flows, and volatility, as these factors may influence short- and long-term trading strategies.