China will file a lawsuit against the US at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to President Donald Trump's decision to slap a new 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods.

Trump this weekend signed executive orders imposing 10 percent levy on goods from China, as well as 25 percent on Canadian and Mexican imports, effective 4 February.

The tariffs are in response to the countries' failure to stop the flow of narcotics such as fentanyl into the US, according to Trump.

The new tariff also applies to products valued at $800 or less, which had been allowed into the US tax free, according to Trump's order. This would hit Chinese e-commerce companies Shein and Temu, which had used the exemption to ship millions of dollars worth of inexpensive clothes and other items to the American market

"China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this decision," a spokesperson from Beijing's Ministry of Commerce said.

"The US's unilateral tariff hike severely violates WTO rules. Not only does it fail to resolve its own issues, but it also disrupts normal economic and trade cooperation between China and the US. In response to this wrongful action, China will file a lawsuit with the WTO and take corresponding countermeasures to firmly safeguard its rights and interests."