The tariff trading between the world’s largest economies continued, and the antes have been upped considerably.
On July 10, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer announced that President Donald Trump had directed him to “begin the process of imposing tariffs of 10 percent on an additional $200 billion of Chinese imports.”
This process includes another public comment period where stakeholders can give input on a proposed list of Chinese goods targeted for the new tariffs. Targets would have an additional 10 percent tariff applied, totaling up to the $200 billion goal.
Potential targets are hugely wide-ranging, including most all forms of seafood, fruit, grains, produce, meat, eggs, leather and leather-made goods, and agricultural products including pesticides, fertilizers, and component chemicals. Non-agricultural and non-food items include most classes of natural products, chemicals, automotive components with special attention on tires and belts, luggage, and beauty products.
Those interested in submitting comments will be able do so online at www.regulations.gov and searching for Docket ID USTR-2018-0026. The full list of potential target items will be available there as well. Written comments will be accepted through Aug. 17. The USTR has noted that it “strongly prefers” written comments submitted through the regulations.gov website. As of press, the proposal had not yet been published in the Federal Register, meaning the comment period had not yet opened, but it was expected shortly.
This was the most recent link in a chain of escalating responses between the U.S. and China. Both sides have claimed the other party was first to engage in illegal trade behavior.
“As in the past, the United States is willing to engage in efforts that could lead to a resolution of our concerns about China’s unfair trade practices and to China opening its market to U.S. goods and services,” Lighthizer said.
“In the meantime, we will remain vigilant in defending the ability of our workers and businesses to compete on a fair and reciprocal basis.”
In the past, China has vowed to match U.S. tariffs with in-kind tariffs on U.S. products, and has reiterated this position with each new U.S. action. — WLJ
