In a quiet but strategic move, China has begun informing companies of a new list of US-made products that will be exempted from its punishing 125% tariffs, according to two people familiar with the development. The move will cushion Chinese companies that rely on American products, saving them from the tariff impact. The unpublished list, called a 'whitelist', has not been publicly disclosed, as Chinese authorities sought to limit the damage from retaliatory tariffs that have hit critical imports. Sources told Reuters that companies have been asked to identify essential US goods, such as pharmaceuticals, microchips and aircraft engines, for which tariff waivers could be considered.