China’s Ministry of Finance announced on Tuesday (March 4) that the country will implement additional tariffs on select US imports starting next week. The retaliatory measures come in response to fresh duties imposed by US President Donald Trump on Chinese goods.
New Tariffs on US Agricultural Products
Beijing confirmed that starting Monday (March 10), new levies of 10-15% will be imposed on various US goods.
A 15% tariff will apply to imports of US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton.
A 10% tariff will be placed on US soybeans, sorghum, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
The Global Times, a state-affiliated media outlet, had earlier reported that China would respond with a combination of tariff and non-tariff measures, with American agricultural and food products being primary targets.
Trump’s Tariffs on Chinese Goods
At 05:01 GMT on March 4, Trump’s administration enforced an additional 10% duty on Chinese imports, bringing the total tariff rate to 20%. The White House justified the move by citing China’s alleged failure to curb drug trafficking, particularly the production of fentanyl-related chemicals.
This new tariff adds to a long list of duties imposed on thousands of Chinese products as part of the ongoing trade dispute.
US-China Tensions Over Fentanyl
The US has accused China of supplying chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, a claim that Beijing has denied. Washington argues that these substances contribute to the opioid crisis, while China maintains that it has taken sufficient action to curb illicit production.
With both sides escalating tariffs, tensions between the world’s two largest economies continue to rise, raising concerns about further disruptions to global trade.