President Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, purportedly in response to China’s alleged failure to curb the flow of migrants and drugs into the United States.
China’s Commerce Ministry announced Sunday that it will challenge these new US tariffs at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and implement countermeasures. The ministry stated that Washington’s unilateral tariff hikes constitute a serious breach of WTO regulations.
On Saturday, President Trump unveiled new tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada, citing their insufficient efforts to stem the influx of migrants and illegal drugs, such as fentanyl. Invoking the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), Trump declared a national economic emergency to justify the tariff increases.
These tariffs, effective February 4th, impose a 25% tax on all Mexican imports and most Canadian goods, along with a 10% levy on Chinese products. A White House fact sheet indicates these tariffs will remain in effect, without exemptions, until the perceived crisis subsides.
China’s Commerce Ministry expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition to these actions.
“This action is not only unproductive in resolving [Washington’s] own problems but also undermines normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US,” the ministry declared, promising retaliatory measures to protect its interests, though specifics were not provided. It urged the US to address its domestic issues, such as illegal drug imports, responsibly, rather than resorting to tariff threats.
The ministry confirmed that China will formally lodge a complaint with the WTO regarding these tariffs. The WTO possesses the authority to allow affected countries to implement retaliatory tariffs, and both the US and China are obligated to adhere to WTO rulings in disputes.
China’s Foreign Ministry deemed the tariffs unproductive and warned of a potential resurgence of trade conflict.
“China’s stance is resolute and consistent. Trade and tariff wars yield no winners… This action cannot solve the US’s domestic problems and, more significantly, benefits neither side, nor the world,” the ministry stated on Saturday, adding that the tariffs could jeopardize bilateral counter-narcotics collaboration.
Canada and Mexico have voiced strong opposition to Trump’s accusations and tariffs. Following the announcement, Canada immediately implemented 25% tariffs on US goods, which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described as extensive and encompassing everyday items. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum instructed the Economy Ministry to activate “Plan B,” a series of retaliatory tariff and non-tariff measures against the US. While details remain undisclosed, sources suggest Mexico intends to target US agricultural industries.