China and Canada have announced retaliatory tariffs after US President Donald Trump’s import levies on China, Mexico, and Canada took effect.
Trump raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 20% and imposed a 25% levy on imports from Canada and Mexico, arguing the move will curb fentanyl inflows and illegal migration.
Canada has responded with 25% tariffs on $150bn worth of US goods, while China has announced 10-15% duties on American agricultural products.
Beijing’s new tariffs, effective 10 March, include a 15% levy on wheat, corn, cotton, and chicken, while soybeans, pork, beef, dairy, and fresh produce face a 10% duty.
Additionally, China has blacklisted 10 US firms, including biotech giant Illumina, banning it from exporting gene sequencing machines to China from 4 March. Beijing accuses the company of “discriminatory measures against Chinese firms.”
The tit-for-tat measures have rattled global markets, with US stocks falling and Asian markets turning volatile. Analysts warn that American consumers could see price increases as trade tensions escalate.
David Eby, governor of British Columbia, condemned Trump’s policies, saying, “As the President threatens the entire world, it will require the entire world to stand together and draw a line in the sand.”
Eby added that while the tariffs pose serious challenges for Canadian businesses and government, they will also “confuse and hurt American consumers.”
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