China promises ‘countermeasures’ after Trump threatens additional 10% tariff

Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese exports to the U.S., escalating tensions in the ongoing trade war between the two countries. Beijing has responded by promising “countermeasures,” signaling another significant deterioration in U.S.-China relations.

The U.S. president also announced plans to impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, which had been delayed last month after negotiations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump cited the smuggling of illicit drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the U.S. as an “unacceptable” issue that justified the new tariffs.

He stated that until the smuggling problem is addressed, the tariffs would go into effect on March 4. Trump’s decision to levy additional tariffs on China, which is already facing a 10% tariff imposed earlier this month, has the potential to further strain ties with the U.S.’s largest trading partner.

In response, China’s government, through its commerce and foreign ministries, vowed to retaliate if the tariffs are imposed, accusing the U.S. of using fentanyl trafficking as a pretext to target China.

A spokesperson for China’s commerce ministry criticized the U.S. approach as “shifting blame and shirking responsibility,” warning that Beijing would take necessary actions to protect its interests.

Both Canada and Mexico have also indicated they will retaliate if the U.S. proceeds with tariffs on their exports. The ongoing threats and tariffs have raised concerns among economists and businesses about the potential impact on global trade.

Despite the administration’s repeated threats, many tariff measures have been delayed, with the latest announcement of tariffs on steel and aluminum scheduled for next month, and reciprocal tariffs set to take effect in April.

Trump has also threatened to impose 25% tariffs on the European Union, accusing the bloc of being “formed to screw the United States,” though specific details remain unclear.

The prospect of additional tariffs, particularly on cars and other goods, is fueling concerns about inflation and potential economic slowdown, particularly in the auto industry.

The looming tariff hikes are expected to create economic uncertainty, with consumers facing higher prices and slower economic growth, which could ultimately impact Trump’s political standing.