China hits back at Trump with reciprocal tariffs, sanctions of US firms

China has revealed the details of its response to new tariffs from the United States on its exports, sanctioning a number of US firms, slapping additional tariffs of 10-15 per cent on selected American goods and announcing plans to bring a case to the World Trade Organization over the matter.

A 15 per cent duty will be applied to imports of US poultry and agricultural products including wheat, corn and cotton, according to a government statement. Tariffs of 10 per cent will be applied to imports of soybeans, pork, beef, fruit, vegetables and dairy.

Beijing’s actions were timed to coincide with the US’ doubling of universal tariffs on Chinese goods, a move announced by US President Donald Trump last week to augment the 10 per cent tariffs in effect since February.

The Ministry of Commerce added 15 US firms – including a number of companies linked to defence and security – to China’s export control list. These companies will need special approval to receive shipments of “dual-use” items, goods that carry both civilian and military applications.

Ten other American firms were added to Beijing’s “unreliable entity list”, effectively banning them from trade with China or making any new investments in the country. These companies were sanctioned for taking part in arms sales to Taiwan or engaging in military cooperation with the island, according to a ministry spokesperson.