BEIJING: China has swiftly countered the latest U.S. tariff hikes by imposing its own levies on a range of American agricultural and food products. The move raises concerns of an intensifying trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies.
The U.S. tariffs, which took effect at 0501 GMT, now bring the total levies on certain Chinese goods to 20%. The White House justified the hike as a response to what it calls China’s failure to curb drug-related issues, particularly fentanyl flows—an accusation Beijing strongly denies.
In Response, Beijing announced tariffs of 10% to 15% on various U.S. imports, including wheat, corn, soybeans, beef, and dairy products, in direct response to the additional 10% duties imposed by Washington earlier in the day.
In addition to the tariff measures, China placed 25 U.S. companies under investment and export restrictions, citing national security concerns. Ten of these firms were targeted for their involvement in arms sales to Taiwan, a self-governed island that China claims as its own territory.
While analysts suggest Beijing remains open to negotiations with Washington, the tit-for-tat actions indicate an increasingly volatile trade relationship. The new U.S. tariffs expand restrictions on Chinese goods that were already hit by steep duty increases last year. Under former President Joe Biden, tariffs on Chinese semiconductors were doubled to 50%, and levies on Chinese electric vehicles surged to over 100%.
This latest round of U.S. tariffs also extends to consumer electronics from China, including smartphones, laptops, video game consoles, smartwatches, and Bluetooth devices—categories previously spared from trade penalties.
China’s finance ministry confirmed that its new tariffs will take effect on March 10, with a 15% increase applied to American poultry, wheat, corn, and cotton, while a 10% duty will be imposed on products such as pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
Beijing strongly condemned Washington’s actions, accusing the U.S. of violating World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations and undermining trade relations. "China will firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," the commerce ministry declared in a statement.
