China and US in standoff over paper tariffs

A trade row has broken out after the United States said it would impose penalty tariffs on imports of coated paper from China.

According to reports, the US has imposed tariffs of 10%-20% on Chinese manufactured goods, in the belief that China is illegally subsidising some of its exports.

The US believes that Chinese paper producers, such as those of high-gloss paper used for brochures and catalogues, benefit from government grants and tax incentives.

According to reports, the Chinese manufacturers have condemned the measures as unwarranted, and have asked the US to reconsider and reverse the move as soon as possible.

It is understood that the Chinese coated paper industry will be severely damaged by the US tariffs, and that the situation could escalate.

According to US government data, Chinese exports of coated paper doubled between 2005 and 2006.

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