Janice R. Andrews
In a sharp escalation of the ongoing trade war, China has imposed new tariffs on key US food imports, including chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, in response to the latest tariffs announced by former US President Donald Trump. The move comes as tensions between the two economic powerhouses continue to rise, with both sides digging in their heels.
China’s finance ministry announced on Tuesday that it will levy a 15% tariff on US imports of chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, alongside a 10% tariff on soybeans, pork, beef, dairy products, and a range of other agricultural goods. These measures, set to take effect from March 10, are a direct response to the US imposing an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports starting March 4.
The Chinese government has also targeted several US companies, adding them to its “unreliable entity list,” which restricts their ability to conduct business in China. Among the firms singled out are drone manufacturer Skydio and 14 other American companies, as part of what Beijing calls efforts to “safeguard national security and interests.”
A spokesperson for China’s Commerce Ministry criticized the US tariffs as “a typical act of unilateralism and bullying,” emphasizing that China would take “countermeasures to firmly safeguard its own rights and interests.” The spokesperson urged the US to engage in “equal-footed consultation” to resolve the dispute, according to state media outlet Xinhua.
The latest round of tariffs marks another chapter in the protracted trade conflict between the world’s two largest economies. The US had previously imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods in February, prompting Beijing to retaliate with its own measures. The tit-for-tat tariffs have disrupted global trade flows, impacting industries ranging from agriculture to technology.
Meanwhile, the US has also extended its tariff policies to other trading partners. A 25% tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico took effect on Tuesday, alongside the additional 10% levy on Chinese imports. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the US move, announcing retaliatory tariffs on American goods and vowing to protect Canadian jobs and industries.
The escalating trade tensions have raised concerns about the global economic recovery, particularly as businesses and consumers grapple with rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Analysts warn that the prolonged conflict could further strain international trade relations and hinder economic growth.
As the US and China continue to trade blows, the path to resolution remains uncertain. Both nations have signaled a willingness to defend their economic interests, but the lack of meaningful dialogue suggests that the trade war could persist for the foreseeable future. For now, businesses and farmers on both sides of the Pacific are bracing for the impact of higher tariffs and a more fragmented global market.
The world watches closely as these two economic giants navigate a high-stakes standoff, with far-reaching implications for global trade and economic stability.
