By Jessica Domel
Multimedia Reporter
About $32 billion dollars in goods from the United States and the People’s Republic of China face new or increased tariffs in August following a pair of announcements Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released a list of 279 Chinese exports valued at $16 billion that will be subject to a 25 percent tariff starting Aug. 23.
“The Trump administration continues to urge China to stop its unfair practices, open its market and engage in true market competition. We have been very clear about the specific changes China should undertake. Regrettably, instead of changing its harmful behavior, China has illegally retaliated against U.S. workers, farmers, ranchers and businesses,” USTR Robert Lighthizer said.
The 279 goods were part of a larger list of 284 items under consideration for a 10 percent tariff in mid-June.
By Aug. 1, sources close to President Donald Trump announced his consideration of a 25 percent tariff on those goods instead.
Lighthizer said the additional tariff is part of the U.S.’ response to China’s unfair trade practices related to the forced transfer of American technology and intellectual property.
China fired back Wednesday morning, announcing a list of $16 billion in U.S. exports be charged a 25 percent tariff when sold into China.
“The U.S. measures have deviated from the consensus of the two sides, leading to an escalation of trade friction between China and the United States, serious violations of relevant rules of the World Trade Organization and damage to our national interests and people,” a statement from the People’s Republic of China’s Customs Tariff Commission read.
U.S. exports on the list include: liquefied natural gas, automobiles, naphtha, styrene, adhesives, metal waste and select fabrics and textiles.