'Accusing China of not negotiating “seriously” on trade, the Trump administration has released a list of products it wants to impose a ten percent tariff on, amounting to $200 billion. The new tariffs would kick in within 60 days.
The 200-page document, released on Tuesday by the US Trade Representative’s office, gives notice to those who wish to comment on the proposal and lists hundreds of products that would be subjected to the new tariffs. The Trump administration intends to impose a ten percent duty on the products listed, Reuters reported, citing US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) was quick to condemn the proposal, saying it will punish American consumers.
“The President has broken his promise to bring ‘maximum pain on China, minimum pain on consumers,’ and American families are the ones being punished,” Hun Quach, RILA VP of international trade, said in a statement. “Consumers, businesses and the American jobs dependent on trade, are left in the crosshairs of an escalating global trade war.”
Senate Finance Committee chair Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) also took aim at the announced list, saying it “appears reckless and is not a targeted approach.”
“We cannot turn a blind eye to China’s mercantilist trade practices, but this action falls short of a strategy that will give the administration negotiating leverage with China while maintaining the long-term health and prosperity of the American economy,” Hatch said in a statement.'
Read more: US releases $200bn list of Chinese products for possible new tariffs
