China's retaliatory tariffs on the United States may cause U.S. oil exports to decline in 2025 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, after growth plateaued last year. Exports of U.S. crude have surged more than 10 times since it lifted a 40-year federal ban on the export of domestic oil in 2015.

The tariffs have also provoked political tension, including retaliation from China, which responded to Trump's move with tariffs on US goods and an anti-monopoly probe of Google, among other measures. The speed with which China filed its complaint with the WTO is an indication of Beijing's readiness for the trade fight.

Beijing hit back with its own tariffs and export restrictions after being subjected to levies by President Trump. Trade experts said China appeared to aim for minimal short-term harm while showing the range of its possible responses.