China has announced the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on a raft of US products in response to the US Government’s decision to hike tariffs on certain Chinese products. The countermeasures announced by China’s Ministry of Commerce include a 15 per cent tax on coal and liquefied natural gas imports from the US. Crude oil, agricultural machinery, pickup trucks and large-engine cars will face a 10 per cent tariff. In addition, China also announced the opening of an investigation into US technology giant Google.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump had announced a one-month delay in U.S. tariff hikes on Canada and Mexico, after the two neighbouring countries agreed to strengthen border security efforts. However, tariffs against China are still scheduled to come into effect from today.

Earlier, in a social media post, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that Canada is implementing its 1.3 billion US dollar border plan, which includes reinforcing the border with new helicopters, technology, and personnel, enhanced coordination with American partners, and increased resources to curb the flow of the banned fentanyl drug. The US President had revealed that he had a positive conversation with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to deploy 10,000 soldiers on the U.S.-Mexico border.