On April 4, China matched the 34% tariff the U.S. announced on April 2. This will be added to the tariffs that China already has in place, including the 20% tariff added in March. U.S. pork exports to China now face an 81% tariff, while beef will be subject to a 56% tariff. These duties take effect on April 10.

The U.S. unveiled tariffs on April 2 to rebuild the economy and restore national and economic security. The Trump administration claimed foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency.

Over the past several years, China has slipped from the top U.S. ag export destination. Mexico is now number one and Canada is number two. China has been turning to Brazil for more of its imports.

According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), 15% of export volume was sent to China last year, which accounted for 13% of export value. China was also responsible for 14% of the total U.S. beef export volume and 15% of the value.

China has historically been a major customer of U.S. soybeans. However, sales continue to drop and China is increasingly turning to Brazil. U.S. soybean exports to China were down 3% to 4 billion bushels in 2024/25. This represents a third of the volume being supplied by Brazil.

The March Ag Economists’ Monthly Monitor reports that 92% of economists believe the U.S. is already in a trade war. Of the respondents, 69% don’t think a trade war today would have the same impact as it did from 2018 through 2020.

Read more about the tariffs and retaliation here.