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CHINA said today that it would “fight to the end” and take countermeasures against the US to protect its interests after President Donald Trump threatened an additional 50 per cent tariff on Chinese imports.
The Commerce Ministry called the US’s move of “so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’” as “completely groundless” and “a typical unilateral bullying practice.”
In response to the original hike, China, the world’s second-largest economy, announced retaliatory tariffs and the ministry hinted that further measures may be on the way.
Mr Trump fired back on social media, warning that if China does not withdraw its 34 per cent hike, the US will impose additional tariffs of 50 per cent from tomorrow.
“The countermeasures China has taken are aimed at safeguarding its sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintaining the normal international trade order. They are completely legitimate,” the Commerce Ministry said.
“The US threat to escalate tariffs on China is a mistake on top of a mistake and once again exposes the blackmailing nature of the US.
“China will never accept this. If the US insists on its own way, China will fight to the end.”
Mr Trump’s global tariff strategy has sparked concerns over workers’ rights and economic fallout in other parts of the world.
South Africa’s Citrus Growers Association (CGA) said that the 31 per cent tariff on citrus imports to the US will hurt farms and threaten 35,000 jobs.
The country is the world’s second-largest citrus exporter, shipping between 5 to 6 per cent of its produce to the US, earning $100 million (£78.3m) yearly.
The CGA said that the tariff would add $4.50 (£3.53) to each carton, making South African fruit less competitive in the US market.
Citrus-dependent towns such as Citrusdal could be particularly hard hit, it said.
CGA chairman Gerrit van de Merwe said: “The severity and immediate nature of the impending tariffs could mean that towns like it now face either increased unemployment or maybe even total economic collapse.
“There is immense anxiety in our communities.”
Farmers have urged the South African government “to prioritise immediate negotiations with the US on tariff reductions or exemptions on citrus.”
South Africa has said it will not retaliate but will pursue talks aimed at securing exemptions or quota agreements.
