The trade war between the US and China, initiated by US President Donald Trump, is escalating.

New Chinese tariffs on US agricultural products came into effect on Monday. Accordingly, a number of American agricultural products have been subject to punitive duties of 10-15 percent. This was done in response to the latest US increase in import tariffs on Chinese goods.

Since early February, the US has already applied a 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods—and last week it was increased to 20 percent. In response, China announced new tariffs on agricultural products from the US.

China's ministry of finance said the additional 15 percent tariffs now apply to the imports of chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton from the US. Sorghum, soybeans, pork, beef, fish, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are subject to 10 percent tariffs.

US agricultural products shipped before March 10 and arriving in China before April 12, however, will not be subject to the new tariffs.