Trump Announces Plans For 10 Per Cent Tariff On China Starting On Feb 1

ISTANBUL, Jan 22 (Bernama-AA) -- US President Donald Trump has announced his plan to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Chinese imports starting on Feb 1, a move some analysts fear could set off a trade war.

The tariff threat follows Trump's announcement on Monday that he intends to impose a 25 per cent duty on imports from Canada and Mexico in response to the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the US, Anadolu Agency reported, citing local media.

Trump said Tuesday the 10 per cent tariffs are in response to China’s role in the fentanyl crisis, alleging that fentanyl was being shipped from China through Canada and Mexico into the United States.

"We’re talking about a tariff of 10 per cent on China based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada," Trump said.

Trump’s plan to impose tariffs on China, Canada, and Mexico could lead to economic fallout for US industries and a trade war, according to analysts.

In his first term, Trump secured a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, and reached a limited pact with China to benefit American farmers, according to The New York Times.

He has since indicated plans to renegotiate both agreements during his second term.

Reacting to Trump's plan, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing will safeguard its national interests.

"There are no winners in trade war or tariff war, and China will resolutely safeguard its national interests," The Global Times quoted Mao as saying.

-- BERNAMA-AA