Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index was down 3.67 percent, while the Shenzhen stock exchange saw the SZSE Component Index drop 3.42 percent. At the Shanghai stock exchange, the Shanghai Composite Index benchmark fell 3.07 percent to 3163.21 points.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump signed an order that opens the door for new tariffs against Chinese imports which was backed by some domestic companies, but has sent the US stock market plunging, increased concerns about a trade war, and received a swift response from Beijing.
On Thursday, Trump signed a presidential memorandum that moves forward on some actions in response to China's unfair trade practices, including the threat of tariffs, a dispute against Chinese technology licensing with the World Trade Organization, and possible investment restrictions.
Later, China’s Commerce Ministry unveiled a list of 128 imported US goods, including American pork, fruits and wine, subject to higher duties, in a bid to offset the new US tariffs.
