China to hit US with retaliatory tariffs on $16B worth of goods

China is preparing to hit the U.S. with another round of retaliatory tariffs as the trade battle between the two countries continues to escalate.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said Wednesday that it will impose 25 percent tariffs on $16 billion worth of U.S. goods, including crude oil and cars, according to CNBC.

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The move comes after President Trump announced Tuesday that the U.S. would hit China with similar tariffs on Aug. 23, affecting imports such as electronic parts, plastics, chemicals, batteries and railway cars.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry called Trump’s decision “a very unreasonable practice,” according to Reuters.

The tariffs mark the latest round in a protracted trade battle between Trump and China, with tens of billions of dollars in tariffs against China already in effect. 

China has hit back with retaliatory tariffs, many of which have targeted agricultural industries in states in the Midwest that overwhelming went for Trump in 2016.

The Department of Agriculture has announced a $12 billion aid plan to help farmers affected by Chinese tariffs, despite criticism from lawmakers in both parties.

Trump has also imposed steep tariffs on imported steel and aluminum from Canada, Mexico and the European Union. Businesses in the U.S. have complained that the tariffs are forcing them to raise prices and eliminate jobs. 

Trump asserted Sunday that the measures are “working big time,” and again vowed to impose tariffs against countries that don’t want to “make or build” products in the U.S.