China has announced additional tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and food items in response to President Donald Trump‘s decision to effectively double tariffs on Chinese imports.
Newsweek has contacted the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The tariffs threaten to increase the prices, putting pressure on Trump, who made improving the U.S. economy a key pledge during his 2024 campaign. The retaliatory move from China also escalates tensions between the world’s two largest economies, increasing the risk of an all-out trade war.
WANG ZHAO/AFP/Getty Images
What to Know
Trump had threatened a 10 percent tariff on imports from China, unless Beijing took stronger action to reduce the flow of illicit synthetic drugs such as fentanyl into the U.S. That went into effect in early February.
The White House announced on Monday that it will add a 10 percent tariff on all Chinese imports, to the 10 percent already imposed in February, stating that China has not taken “adequate steps” to prevent illicit drugs from entering the U.S.
In response, China said on Tuesday that it will implement additional 10 to 15 percent tariffs on American agricultural and food products.
China’s State Council Tariff Commission said the changes will take effect on March 10.
China’s Tariff List
15 Percent Tariffs:
10 Percent Tariffs:
- Sorghum
- Soybeans
- Pork
- Beef
- Aquatic products (seafood)
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Dairy products
Soybeans, beef and cotton were the U.S.’s top three largest agricultural exports to China in 2024.
Soybeans were by far the largest exported item to the Asian powerhouse, amounting to $12.76 billion worth of exports last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
Trump had also warned that he would impose a 25 percent tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico before agreeing in early February to hold off for 30 days. On Monday, Trump confirmed that the 25 percent tariffs against Canada and Mexico would take effect on Tuesday.
What People Are Saying
China’s State Council Tariff Commission, in a Tuesday statement: “The U.S.’s unilateral tariff increase damages the multilateral trading system, increases the burden on U.S. companies and consumers, and undermines the foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S.”
President Donald Trump, posting on Truth Social on Monday: “To the Great Farmers of the United States: Get ready to start making a lot of agricultural product to be sold INSIDE of the United States. Tariffs will go on external product on April 2nd. Have fun!”
Even Pay, an agriculture analyst at policy research consultancy firm Trivium China, told Reuters: “It’s notable that Beijing’s response is restrained. Trump has now imposed a total of 20 percent tariffs on all Chinese products. China’s tariffs impact a limited number of U.S. products and remain below the 20 percent level.
“This is by design. China’s government is signaling that they do not want to escalate, they want to de-escalate. It’s fair to say we’re in the early days of Trade War 2.0. There’s still time and space to avoid a protracted, entrenched trade war if Trump and [China’s President Xi Jinping] can strike a deal.”
What Happens Next
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that Canada will respond to Trump’s tariffs by imposing its own 25 percent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods within the next three weeks.
The Mexican government has not yet announced an official response. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Monday the country has a “plan B, C, D” if Trump’s tariffs are imposed, without specifying further.