International-News

China ready to respond to Trump’s new tariffs: possible countermeasures on agribusiness

Beijing announces possible counterduties after U.S. announcement on new 10 percent tariffs

China is studying countermeasures, including possible duties on the agribusiness sector, in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement on increasing tariffs by 10 percent on a wide range of Chinese goods. The U.S. measure is expected to go into effect tomorrow, March 4. The Global Times reports this, citing sources close to the Chinese government.

Beijing threatens concrete responses

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian reiterated the possibility of taking “all necessary measures” to protect China’s rights and interests. Beijing expressed concerns about “serious repercussions on the dialogue” between the two countries, stressing that pressure and threats are not the right way to interact.

The Fentanyl issue: pretext for tariffs?

China accuses the Trump administration of exploiting the emergence of the lethal drug fentanyl as a pretext to justify increased duties. According to Beijing, Trump’s accusation that fentanyl is produced and supplied from China, and continues to enter the United States through Canada and Mexico, is being used to exert trade pressure. Spokesman Lin Jian said such an approach will not solve the U.S. problems, but rather could worsen relations between the two countries, making cooperation more difficult.

Entry into force of the new duties

The new 10 percent duties are scheduled to take effect tomorrow, adding to the existing ones in a further escalation of trade tensions between the two economic powers. Trump has justified this decision by linking it to the fight against drug trafficking, particularly of fentanyl, the trade in which he claims is fueled by China.

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