China has announced new tariffs on a range of US agricultural products, escalating tensions in the ongoing trade war with Washington. The retaliatory measures, set to take effect next week, come in response to US President Donald Trump’s decision to hike tariffs on Chinese goods.
China’s finance ministry confirmed on Tuesday that it would impose 15% additional tariffs on US chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton. Also, 10% additional tariffs on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, aquatic products, fruits, vegetables, and dairy.
The move directly targets key US agricultural exports, further straining trade relations between the world’s two largest economies.
Trump signed an order on Monday to raise tariffs on Chinese goods from 10% to 20%, adding to a series of previous trade restrictions. Beijing strongly condemned what it called the “unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US,” warning that the move would only increase costs for American companies and consumers.
“The additional tariffs exacerbate the burden on US businesses and consumers, and undermine the foundation of economic and trade cooperation between China and the United States,” the Chinese finance ministry said in a statement.
Beijing has also announced plans to file a lawsuit against the United States at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the additional tariffs. China’s commerce ministry said it would challenge Washington’s actions under international trade rules, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle.
The fresh wave of tariffs is expected to impact billions of dollars in trade, with US farmers among the hardest hit. China has historically been a major buyer of American agricultural products, and retaliatory duties could lead to declining exports, falling commodity prices, and economic strain on US farmers.
The escalation adds to fears of a deepening trade war, with both nations locked in a cycle of tit-for-tat measures. Analysts warn that continued tariff battles could have broader implications for global markets, supply chains, and economic growth.
