ZCZC
BCN-07
US-CHINA-TRADE-TARIFFS
Trump says China tariff rates very likely to rise: report
WASHINGTON, Nov 27, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – US President Donald Trump said Monday he
expected to raise the punitive tariff rates on hundreds of billions in
Chinese imports as scheduled next year.
Just days ahead of a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping,
Trump also vowed to put tariffs on all remaining imports from China if the
two sides failed to reach a deal, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Trump already has imposed tariffs on more than $250 billion in Chinese
goods — about half of the total imported each year — in an attempt to
pressure the country to change its trade rules.
“If we don’t make a deal, then I’m going to put the $267 billion additional
on,” he told the newspaper, referring to the remainder of Chinese imports
which so far have not been hit with tariffs.
“The only deal would be China has to open up their country to competition
from the United States.”
If he goes ahead with the additional punishing duties taxes it would
include Apple products produced in China.
In September, Washington slapped 10 percent duties on $200 billion in
imports from China in an effort to get Beijing to reverse alleged unfair
trade practices such as the forced transfer of intellectual property and
massive state intervention in markets.
The duties are due to go rise to 25 percent on at the start of next year —
something US companies and markets are hoping can be averted.
Another $50 billion already faces 25 percent punitive tariffs.
Beijing was hoping Washington would call off the planned increase as a
result of this week’s meeting between Trump and Xi.
BSS/AFP/SR/1745 HRS