Trump announces he will impose 10% tariffs on Chinese imports on February 1

President Trump said Tuesday that he intends to impose a 10% tariff on Chinese imports into the United States on February 1, a move that is sure to escalate trade tensions between the most major economies of the world.

Speaking at the White House, Mr Trump said the tariffs were a response to China’s role in the US fentanyl crisis. Mr. Trump said China was sending fentanyl to Canada and Mexico, from where it would be transported to the United States.

The tariff threat comes after Mr. Trump said Monday he plans to impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico as punishment for allowing fentanyl and illegal immigrants to enter the United States.

“We’re talking about a 10 percent tariff on China, based on the fact that they’re sending fentanyl to Mexico and Canada,” Mr. Trump said.

The tariffs would be in addition to levies Mr. Trump imposed on more than $300 billion in Chinese imports during his first term. These tariffs were maintained by former President Joseph R. Biden Jr., who imposed additional taxes on Chinese electric vehicles, solar cells, semiconductors and advanced batteries.

Mr. Trump’s pledge to impose tariffs on China, Canada and Mexico is expected to result in retaliation against American industries. Economists have warned that a global trade war could cause a rebound in inflation and dampen U.S. economic growth.