China imposes tariffs on US imports amid escalating trade war

China has imposed tariffs on LNG, coal, and agricultural equipment imported from the US in retaliation for Donald Trump’s imposition of 10 percent tariffs on its exports. Additionally, China announced an antitrust investigation into Google. These moves, which will take effect on February 10, were announced as the new US tariff came into force at 13:00 local time in Beijing, marking the second round of the trade war that began during Trump’s first term.

China’s Ministry of Commerce stated on Tuesday that it would impose tariffs of 15 percent on US coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG) and 10 percent on crude oil, agricultural equipment, and some vehicles starting next Monday. China also placed export controls on shipments of tungsten and other rare metal products to the US and added US companies, including clothing maker PVH and biotech firm Illumina, to its list of untrustworthy organizations.

“The US imposition of tariffs on Chinese exports to the US is a serious violation of [World Trade Organization] rules,” a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Commerce said on Tuesday. The spokesperson described the US behavior as “of a bad nature, typical of unilateralism and a form of trade protectionism.”

Separately, China’s market regulator announced it had launched an investigation into Google for allegedly violating antitrust laws. The statement did not provide further details on the investigation.

China also stated it would impose tariffs on some car exports from the US. Trump accused China of not doing enough to stem the flow of the deadly opioid fentanyl and its precursors into the US.

The tit-for-tat between China and the United States followed a reprieve for Mexico and Canada, which Trump had threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on. These tariffs were postponed for a month after last-minute talks between Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Trump announced massive tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China over the weekend, unsettling allies and investors. He is expected to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping in the coming days.