China is gearing up to implement countermeasures in response to new U.S. import tariffs scheduled to take effect on Tuesday, as reported by the state-backed Global Times. American agricultural exports are expected to be a primary target. Last week, Donald Trump threatened to impose an additional 10% duty on Chinese goods, resulting in a total tariff of 20%, while accusing China of insufficient action to curb the flow of fentanyl into the United States—a claim that China has labeled as “blackmail.”
According to an anonymous source cited by Global Times, “China is studying and formulating relevant countermeasures in response to the U.S. threat of imposing an additional 10% tariff on Chinese products under the pretext of fentanyl.” The report further indicated that these countermeasures are likely to encompass both tariffs and a range of non-tariff actions, with U.S. agricultural and food products expected to be prominently affected.
Historically, the U.S. has been vulnerable to China targeting its agricultural exports during periods of trade conflict. Despite a decline in imports since 2018—when Beijing imposed tariffs of up to 25% on soybeans, beef, pork, wheat, corn, and sorghum in retaliation for U.S. duties—China remains the largest market for U.S. agricultural products. In 2024, China imported $29.25 billion worth of U.S. agricultural goods, marking a 14% decrease from the previous year.
Global Times, which is affiliated with the ruling Communist Party’s People’s Daily, was the first to report on China’s planned actions following the European Union’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles last year. Trump’s announcement has left Beijing with less than a week to devise countermeasures or negotiate a deal. The proposed tariffs coincide with the commencement of China’s annual parliamentary meeting, a significant political event where Beijing is expected to outline its economic priorities for 2025.
Analysts suggest that Beijing still hopes to negotiate a truce with the Trump administration; however, the absence of any ongoing trade discussions diminishes the likelihood of reconciliation. “A China-U.S. trade war is not inevitable, but Trump’s decision to impose tariffs at this time is misguided,” stated Wang Dong, executive director of the Institute for Global Cooperation and Understanding at Peking University. “Trump and his advisers may believe that imposing tariffs will exert pressure on China and send a signal, but this approach is likely to backfire, prompting a strong response from China.”
