China hits back with US tariffs
Shafaq News/ China announced, on Tuesday, that it will impose “retaliatory” tariffs on certain US imports in response to duties introduced by US President Donald Trump.
In a statement, China’s State Taxation Commission said it would levy a 15% tariff on chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, along with a 10% duty on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
The move follows Trump’s decision on Monday to double additional tariffs on all Chinese goods from 10% to 20%.
Chinese National People's Congress spokesperson Lu Chenjian accused Washington of violating World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, saying Beijing opposes the politicization of economic and trade issues under the pretext of national security. He called for resolving trade disputes through dialogue.
Beijing had previously warned of "countermeasures" after the White House announced Trump’s executive order raising tariffs on Chinese imports.
China’s Ministry of Commerce said that Beijing “strongly opposes” the US decision and will take measures to safeguard its interests. The ministry also accused Washington of using China’s handling of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, as a pretext for imposing tariffs, urging the US to withdraw what it described as "unreasonable and unfounded unilateral measures."
In February, Trump had already imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, in addition to existing duties, but later suggested that a trade deal with Beijing remained possible.
