China has swiftly retaliated against fresh US tariffs announced by President Donald Trump, imposing additional 10 to 15 per cent tariffs on a range of American agricultural and food products. The move also places 25 US firms under export and investment restrictions, escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies.
China’s Response to US Tariffs
Beijing’s latest tariff measures come in response to America doubling duties on Chinese goods to 20 per cent, as well as imposing new 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. The decision intensifies trade conflicts between the US and its top three trading partners.
The Chinese finance ministry confirmed that the country will impose an additional 15 per cent tariff on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton. Additionally, a 10 per cent levy will be placed on American soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy imports, effective from March 10.
In a separate statement, China’s commerce ministry criticized the US move, stating that it “seriously violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and undermines the basis for economic and trade cooperation between China and the US.” The ministry emphasized that China would firmly safeguard its “legitimate rights and interests.”
US Tariff Escalation Under Trump
The additional 10 per cent duty imposed by the US, which President Trump had warned about last week, came into effect at 0501 GMT on March 4. This led to a cumulative 20 per cent tariff, which the White House justified as a response to China’s alleged inaction over drug flows.
These new tariffs are layered on top of existing duties of up to 25 per cent that Trump had imposed during his first term on roughly $370 billion worth of Chinese imports. Under former President Joe Biden, some of these tariffs had already been increased, including a sharp rise in duties on Chinese semiconductors to 50 per cent and a quadrupling of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to over 100 per cent.
Impact on US Tech and Consumer Goods
The newly implemented 20 per cent tariff will apply to several key US consumer electronics imports from China that had previously been exempt from duties. These include smartphones, laptops, video game consoles, smartwatches, speakers, and Bluetooth devices, potentially increasing prices for American consumers.
Sources By Agencies
