Trade tariffs on Chinese imports into the US have been implemented following an executive order by US President Donald Trump.
The 10 per cent tariffs, which were introduced on February 4, 2025, were met with retaliatory measures, as China announced a 15 per cent tax on imports of US energy and products, effective from February 10.
Meanwhile President Trump delayed the introduction of 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico by a month. He has said the measures will be implemented because of concerns about drug trafficking and border security.
An article in independent academic news service, The Conversation, said potential impacts of the US tariffs include higher costs of goods – including vehicles, construction materials, energy, and food – supply chain disruptions, damage to the agricultural sector, and further retaliatory measures, and generally heightened tension globally.
