President Biden on Tuesday defended his announcement to increase tariffs on imports from China and sought to contrast his policies with those of former President Trump.
“My administration is combining investment in the United States with strategic, targeted tariffs. This is a smart approach,” Biden said in the Rose Garden under cloudy skies. “Compare that to what the previous administration did.
“My predecessor promised to increase American exports and boost manufacturing. But he did neither. He failed. He signed a trade deal with China…instead. “China’s imports from the United States have barely moved,” Biden continued. “And now Trump and his MAGA Republicans want to impose flat tariffs on imports to all countries if re-elected.”
Biden’s tariffs were joined by union members, business owners and members of Congress, including one from Michigan.
The White House announced that tariffs on Chinese goods would be phased in over the next three years, starting in 2024 and targeting sectors such as electric vehicles (EVs), solar cells, steel and aluminum.
Administration officials said tariffs on Chinese EV imports would increase from 25% to 100% to offset China’s export practices, “at the expense of U.S. and other foreign automakers and autoworkers.” “It has given preferential treatment to Chinese automakers, leading to a massive surge in unfair exports,” he told reporters. It sells Chinese cars in overseas markets at low prices. ”
The administration also plans to double tariffs on solar cell imports from China to 50%, to counter China’s dominance in global solar power production, which currently accounts for about 70% of the market, officials said. This is a measure aimed at
Biden and his aides have framed the move as an effort to protect American workers from China’s unfair trade practices.
“In short, I want fair competition, not conflict, with China,” he said on Tuesday. “And because we are investing in America again, we are in a stronger position than anyone else to win the economic competition with China in the 21st century.”
Chinese government officials have vowed to respond to new U.S. tariffs, but have not provided details. The move could heighten tensions in U.S.-China relations, which have already cooled in recent years.
The move also drew criticism from some within Biden’s own party. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis (D) called the tariffs “horrible news for American consumers and a major setback for clean energy.” Post to X.
Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, frequently imposed tariffs during his first term in office, often encouraging other countries to impose similar taxes on American goods.
If he returns to the White House, he has proposed imposing a 10% tariff on all imports into the United States, a proposal that experts warn could worsen inflation.
The Trump campaign on Tuesday criticized Biden’s tariff hikes as “too slow.”
“Forgotten men and women know that President Trump is and always will be the only person who has been tough on China,” spokeswoman Caroline Levitt said in a statement. .
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