China has started applying new tariffs on U.S. agricultural products starting this Monday, in response to the tariffs imposed by the United States. The 15% tariffs will affect the importation of chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, while a 10% tariff will apply to products such as soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruits, and dairy, as well as vegetables and sorghum.
U.S. President Donald Trump had previously increased the additional tariffs on China to 20%, accusing Beijing of not doing enough to prevent the entry of fentanyl into the United States. China, which has also placed U.S. companies on its export control list, has rejected these accusations, stating that its anti-drug policy is strict.
The agricultural sector in the United States views China as an important market for its exports, despite a decrease in shipment volumes in recent years. China, which used to import corn and wheat from the United States, has sought other suppliers like Brazil and Ukraine in recent years.
In the case of soybeans, China has reduced its dependence on the United States and increased imports from Brazil. For example, in 2024, 71% of the soybeans imported by China came from Brazil. These trade tensions add to other retaliatory measures previously taken by China, such as imposing tariffs on various U.S. products and controls on mineral exports.
During Trump's previous presidency, there were also tensions with China due to the imposition of tariffs that triggered a series of trade retaliations between the two countries.
