China vows response after Trump announces new 10% tariff
China has warned the United States of "countermeasures" should the administration of President Donald Trump proceed with the new 10% additional tariff on Chinese goods set to respond to the smuggling of fentanyl.
Trump’s new 10% tariff, announced on Thursday, comes on top of an extant duty of the same rate imposed on Chinese imports earlier this month.
In addition, Trump used the occasion to announce sweeping 25% levies on Mexican and Canadian goods, which had been halted in January.
A Mexican delegation is currently negotiating an agreement with the US in Washington.
Besides, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced plans for an “immediate” response should his country's efforts to avert US levies fail by next week.
The month-long pause for Canada and Mexico is set to end on March 4.
In response to reporters' questions, Trump announced through his social media on Thursday that as long as the flow of fentanyl into the US continues, the tariffs will remain intact, scheduled for implementation on March 4.
Beijing has condemned Trump’s allegations, stating through its commerce ministry that Washington is merely “shifting the blame.”
"China is one of the countries with the strictest and most thorough anti-narcotics policies in the world," the statement read. "But the US side has always ignored these facts," it added.
Burden on American companies, consumers
China believes the new US tariff approach will not only "increase the burden on American companies and consumers and undermine the stability of the global industrial chain" but also "seriously impact dialogue" between the two countries on drug control.
While describing Washington’s move as “blackmail,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that the US is making a mistake by using “pressure, coercion, and threats” to deal with China.
Beijing has dismissed US concerns over fentanyl, asserting that the US must resolve its drug problem on its own.
Last year, a Congressional Research Service report noted that US-bound fentanyl appears to be produced in Mexico using Chinese precursors.
Trump has also announced, via his Truth Social platform, that so-called reciprocal tariffs tailored to each US trade partner will take effect on April 2. He has instructed government agencies to study trade issues outlined in his directives; an action that China believes is specifically targeted at them.
China is set to hold a meeting next week to determine the way forward in light of Washington’s new threats.
Trump extends Russia sanctions ahead of meeting with Zelensky
Health leader warns Africa's health services at risk of 'collapse'
EU will 'do the same' if US implements tariff hikes: France
Mass protests, general strike hit Greece on deadly train crash anniversary
VIDEO | 'Education in Gaza resumes despite lack of equipment'
Iran's freestyle wrestling team clinches championship title in Albania ranking series
Trump seeks sweeping cuts to State Department: Report
VIDEO | Iran, Pakistan strengthen media cooperation to foster cultural ties
VIDEO | BRICS workshop in Tehran strengthens innovation, cooperation
Iran condemns deadly bombing in Pakistan, stresses regional unity to fight terror
Jordanians rally en masse to censure Trump's Gaza takeover plan
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
