China issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring it is prepared for “any type of war” after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports, escalating an already fraught trade war.
The latest U.S. tariffs, which took effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, include a 25% levy on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with a doubling of tariffs on Chinese goods from 10% to 20%. The move prompted swift retaliation from Beijing, which imposed additional tariffs on key U.S. agricultural products.
In his first address to Congress of his second term, Trump signaled that further tariffs would be introduced in early April, including reciprocal duties and non-tariff measures aimed at what he described as “years of trade imbalances.”
“Other countries have used tariffs against us for decades, and now it’s our turn,” Trump said, citing what he characterized as unfair trade practices by China and the European Union.
Beijing responded with a defiant message, warning of prolonged economic confrontation.
“If war is what the U.S. wants—be it a tariff war, a trade war, or any other type of war—we’re ready to fight till the end,” China’s Foreign Ministry stated.
China Retaliates with Tariffs on U.S. Agricultural Exports
In response to the latest U.S. trade measures, China announced a 15% tariff on American agricultural exports, including chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton. Additional 10% tariffs were imposed on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reinforced China’s position, warning against attempts to pressure Beijing into submission.
“I want to reiterate that the Chinese people have never feared evil or ghosts, nor have we ever bowed to hegemony or bullying,” Lin said. “Pressure, coercion, and threats are not the right ways to engage with China. Trying to exert maximum pressure is a miscalculation and a mistake.”
Trump has justified the tariff escalation in part by accusing China of failing to curb the production of chemicals used in fentanyl, a claim Beijing has rejected. China has also filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization, calling the tariffs a “serious violation” of trade rules.
Economic Fallout and Rising Consumer Costs
The U.S. tariffs, which target the country’s three largest trading partners, are expected to have widespread economic consequences. Analysts warn that American consumers will likely face higher prices on goods ranging from cars and electronics to groceries and alcohol.
The United States sources 75% of its imported toys and sports equipment from China, while a significant portion of vehicles sold in the U.S. are assembled in Canadian or Mexican factories.
Despite concerns over the economic impact, Trump remained firm in his stance, writing on Truth Social, “If companies move to the United States, there are no tariffs!!!”
Canada Responds with Counter-Tariffs
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the new tariffs and announced retaliatory measures, placing 25% levies on a range of American goods.
“Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada, their closest partner and ally and their closest friend,” Trudeau said at a press conference. “At the same time, they’re talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing Vladimir Putin, a lying, murderous dictator. Make that make sense.”
Trudeau acknowledged the economic strain the tariffs could place on Canadians and warned that their long-term implications remain uncertain.
“This trade war hurts American families and Canadian families,” he said. “Perhaps he wants to sink the Canadian economy so that he can annex Canada. That’s never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.”
With tensions rising and both sides digging in, the economic standoff between the U.S., China, and Canada is set to intensify, raising fears of broader global financial instability.
