Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump has officially signed an order increasing tariffs on Chinese imports from 10% to 20%, escalating trade tensions between the two global economic giants. The White House announced the decision on Monday, attributing the move to Beijing’s alleged failure to curb the illicit fentanyl trade, which U.S. authorities claim has contributed to the country’s ongoing opioid crisis. This latest tariff hike comes amid an already strained relationship between the two nations, with past trade disputes leading to retaliatory measures and economic uncertainty.

The tariff increase aligns with Trump’s long-standing stance on China, where he has consistently advocated for stricter trade policies to protect American businesses. According to the White House, the president believes that Beijing has not done enough to address key issues, including intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices. The administration has maintained that such measures are necessary to level the playing field and prevent China from gaining an undue advantage in global markets. However, experts warn that these tariffs may lead to higher costs for American consumers and businesses reliant on Chinese goods.

China is expected to respond with countermeasures, potentially leading to another round of economic retaliation. Previous tariff wars between the two nations have disrupted global supply chains, impacting various industries, from technology to agriculture. Beijing has yet to issue an official response, but analysts predict that it may impose new tariffs on U.S. exports or tighten restrictions on American companies operating in China. As the trade war intensifies, economists fear the global economy could face further instability, with ripple effects felt across multiple sectors worldwide.