Trump imposes $600 billion tariffs on China, drawing criticism from global leaders

US President Donald Trump has announced the imposition of import tariffs on China, totalling a massive $600 billion, making it the most substantial tariff action taken by any US leader. 

"I have imposed significant tariffs on China, amounting to $600 billion. No other president has gone that far," Trump stated during a press briefing, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The announcement follows a statement from China's Ministry of Commerce, which condemned Washington's actions as a "typical display of unilateralism and protectionism." The Ministry called for the United States to return to the "right track" of a multilateral trading system.

An earlier report by the Asia Times suggested that Trump's tariffs might be benefiting China more than harming it. The piece noted that the closure of USAID would leave China's "One Belt, One Road" initiative without competition, giving Beijing a freer hand to expand its infrastructure development strategy.

In January, Trump also revealed new tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China. Goods from Mexico and Canada will face a 25 percent tariff, while those from China will be subject to a 10 percent levy.

By Aghakazim Guliyev