China on Tuesday imposed tariffs on a range of U.S. goods and announced a new antitrust probe into Google, marking a rapid escalation in the trade conflict that resurfaced just days into President Donald Trump's second term. Chinese officials said they will introduce levies of up to 15% on American coal and liquefied natural gas, while subjecting other imports, including crude oil, agricultural equipment, and large-engine vehicles, to duties of 10%.

"China firmly opposes the U.S. practice and urges the United States to correct its wrong practices immediately," the Ministry of Commerce said in a statement. It described the U.S. tariffs as "typical unilateralism and trade protectionism," adding that they would bring the matter to the World Trade Organization. These latest measures will start on February 10, just as new U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods take effect.

Officials also announced export controls on several critical minerals used in high-tech products. Elements like tungsten, tellurium, bismuth, molybdenum, and indium will now face fresh restrictions, echoing previous moves on gallium. "They have a much more developed export control regime," said Philip Luck, an economist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, referring to Beijing's broadening approach to restricting key resources.

President Trump earlier this month declared a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, while slapping 10% on imports from China. He planned to enact them this Tuesday. However, as of Monday, the administration signaled a one-month pause for goods from Canada and Mexico, following commitments by those two countries on immigration controls and drug enforcement.

John Gong, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, called China's response "measured," explaining, "I don't think they want the trade war escalating. And they see this example from Canada and Mexico and probably they are hoping for the same thing." He noted that China "is much better prepared to counter" than in past disputes.

U.S. coal exports, liquefied natural gas, and farm machinery stand to feel the pinch of China's new duties. The State Council Tariff Commission released a list of 72 items to be hit with a 10% tariff, including tractors and harvesters. It also unveiled a shorter list for the 15% tariffs, primarily coal and LNG. In 2023, the U.S. shipped around 2.3% of its total natural gas exports to China, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

China's clampdown also targets prominent American firms. "China's State Administration for Market Regulation said Tuesday it is investigating Google on suspicion of violating antitrust laws," according to an official statement. Google services have long been blocked in China, though the company maintains limited operations for advertising and other business ventures. Google did not immediately comment on the probe.

In addition, Beijing placed PVH Corp-owner of Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger-and biotechnology company Illumina on its "unreliable entity" list. The Commerce Ministry said, "It is not only unhelpful in solving its own problems, but also damages normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the U.S." Both firms could face fines, trading limitations, and other penalties that effectively shut them out of the Chinese market.

"Putting these U.S. companies on the unreliable entities list is 'alarming,'" said George Chen, managing director for The Asia Group. "It's almost like telling American companies, what your government is doing is bad... it'll backfire on American companies."

As tensions deepen, Trump and China's President Xi Jinping are expected to speak in the "next couple days," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.