China opens Google antitrust probe in retaliation to tariffs

Google’s search and internet services have been blocked in China since 2010, but the antitrust investigation may interfere with its other dealings with Chinese companies. Details about the probe are slim. It was announced within minutes of President Trump’s 10 percent tariffs on Chinese goods going into effect.

The Chinese government says it will also introduce additional levies against select US goods, including a 15 percent tariff on coal and natural gas products, and a 10 percent tariff on crude oil, agricultural equipment, larger cars, and pickup trucks. China also announced export restrictions on certain mineral elements to “safeguard national security interests.” Impacted minerals include tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum, and ruthenium, which are critical to modern infrastructure and technology production.

US-imposed tariffs against Mexico and Canada were also set to take effect on Tuesday, but have now been paused for a month ahead of negotiations on security and trade. No pause has been announced for the tariffs against China. President Trump said on Monday that his administration was planning to speak with Chinese President Xi Jinping “probably over the next 24 hours,” and that tariffs will be “very, very substantial” if a deal can’t be reached.