China retaliates with new tariffs on U.S. agricultural products

China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. agricultural products took effect today, escalating trade tensions between the two nations. The move comes in response to tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump on Chinese imports, further deepening the ongoing economic standoff.

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, China’s latest tariffs target a wide range of U.S. agricultural goods. Beginning March 10, 2025, additional tariffs will be applied to several key commodities.

Livestock and animal products are among the affected sectors, with chicken facing a 15 percent tariff, while pork, beef, dairy, and aquatic products will see a 10 percent tariff increase. The grain and cereal sector, a major component of U.S. exports to China, will also be impacted.

Soybeans, which account for nearly half of U.S. agricultural exports to China, along with sorghum, will be subject to a 10 percent tariff. Wheat, corn, and cotton will be hit with a 15 percent tariff. The produce sector will also see a 10 percent tariff imposed on fruits and vegetables.

However, according to Reuters China has specified that goods shipped before March 10 and arriving before April 12, 2025, will not be subject to these additional tariffs, providing a reprieve for some exporters.

The U.S. and China have been locked in a trade battle marked by reciprocal tariffs. The latest escalation follows an executive order by Trump last month, which accused China of playing a central role in the flow of fentanyl and other drugs into the U.S. In response, Trump imposed a 10 percent tariff on a range of Chinese imports, citing national security concerns.

Meanwhile, the administration has also adjusted its trade stance with Canada and Mexico. Trump announced a temporary suspension of the 25 percent tariffs placed on most imports from both countries earlier in the week. The exemptions, which initially applied only to Mexico, were later extended to Canada and are set to expire on April 2. Canada, in turn, has paused a second round of retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods worth $87.4 billion.

Despite the temporary relief for North American trade, the broader global tariff landscape remains uncertain. Trump has hinted at a broader tariff system based on reciprocity once the exemptions expire, potentially reshaping U.S. trade relationships in the months ahead.