China wasted no time in hitting back at the United States after new tariffs on Chinese goods came into effect on Tuesday.
The swift response reignited trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies, with Beijing imposing its own duties on US imports just minutes after Washington’s measures took hold.
The fresh 10% tariff introduced by the US on all Chinese imports took effect at 12:01 am ET (05:01 GMT). In response, China’s Finance Ministry announced levies of 15% on US coal and liquefied natural gas, along with 10% duties on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and certain vehicles.
These tariffs will be enforced from February 10, according to the ministry’s statement.
In a separate move, China’s Commerce Ministry and Customs Administration revealed new export restrictions on critical minerals, including tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, and molybdenum. Officials said the restrictions were introduced to protect national security interests.
Adding to the escalating tension, Beijing also announced an anti-trust investigation into Google shortly after the US tariffs came into force. The State Administration for Market Regulation stated that the American tech giant would be examined for possible competition law breaches.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump held off on implementing 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada at the last moment, opting for a 30-day delay in exchange for agreements on border security and crime prevention.
However, China received no such exemption, and a White House spokesperson confirmed that Trump would not be speaking with Chinese President Xi Jinping until later in the week.
European leaders are also preparing for potential US tariffs on their exports. Trump has repeatedly criticised the trade deficit with the European Union and demanded that Europe buy more American cars and agricultural products.
Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, expressed hope that the US president would approach negotiations with the EU constructively to avoid further economic disruption and rising inflation in the US market.
Speaking ahead of an EU ministerial meeting in Warsaw, Bettel warned that imposing additional costs on European goods would ultimately drive up prices in the US. He also confirmed that the EU would introduce retaliatory tariffs if necessary.