China may impose 10% tariff on agricultural products from US - Global Times

China’s measures will likely include tariffs and a range of non-tariff restrictions on American goods. The list of affected products is expected to focus on US agricultural and food exports, the agency stated, citing anonymous sources.

"If the US insists on imposing unilateral tariffs and formally announces relevant measures, China will definitely carry out strong, powerful countermeasures," a Global Times source emphasized.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not officially confirmed the Global Times report regarding retaliatory tariffs. However, on Monday, March 3, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian stated that China will take necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests firmly.

US tariffs on China

Earlier in February, US President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on all goods imported from China in addition to existing tariffs. The move was justified by the fight against illicit drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.

Last week, in a social media post, Trump announced that as of March 4, China would face an additional 10% tariff.

"We cannot allow this scourge (fentanyl) to continue harming the US, and therefore, unless it stops or is significantly curtailed, the proposed tariffs, set to take effect on March 4, will indeed be enforced as planned," Trump stated.

The US threat to impose an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods immediately sparked strong protests from several Chinese ministries.

Trump has also hinted at imposing a 25% tariff on the European Union. He claimed that the 27-nation bloc was created to exploit the United States.

During a meeting in Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron tried to dissuade Trump from imposing these tariffs. Macron stressed that Europe had done nothing to justify such a US response.