China slaps extra tariffs on U.S. farm exports

China responded to new U.S. tariffs by announcing March 4 it will impose additional tariffs of up to 15% on imports of key U.S. farm products, including chicken, pork, soy and beef, and expanded controls on doing business with key U.S. companies.

The tariffs announced by the Commerce Ministry will take effect from March 10, though goods already in transit will be exempt until April 12. They follow U.S. President Donald Trump's order to raise tariffs on imports of Chinese products to 20% across the board. A range of Chinese goods were already subject to 10-25% tariffs levied by Trump during his first term.

The newer tariffs took effect March 4, along with 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico.

China is a major importer of American farm products. Purchases dipped after Trump launched a trade war during his first term and then recovered.

Now, imports of U.S.-grown chicken, wheat, corn and cotton will face an extra 15% tariff, the Chinese ministry said. Tariffs on sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, seafood, fruit, vegetables and dairy products will be increased by 10%.

The U.S. tariffs began a day before the annual session of China's parliament, which will focus in part on deflation and other issues affecting the world's second largest economy.

By raising tariffs, the U.S. has repaid kindness with enmity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said.

While the tariffs on American farm products are sweeping, China held back from imposing higher ones across the board, and "both sides showed restraint," said Sun Chenghao, an international relations professor at Beijing's Tsinghua University.