Biden’s upcoming tariffs on China demonstrate a response to past mistakes

The White House is gearing up to take a bold step in the ongoing trade war with China by announcing plans to raise tariffs on Chinese imports. This move, expected to be revealed this week, comes after a two-year investigation into China’s unfair trading practices and economic impact on the US.

Greta Peisch, a former official who played a key role in the review process, emphasized the need for action against China’s industrial policy and excess capacity in various sectors like solar panels and electric vehicles. The Biden administration’s review, which began in 2022, is set to impact tariffs on industries ranging from electric vehicles to critical minerals.

The announcement is also expected to quadruple tariffs on electric vehicles from China, potentially raising the tariff rate to 100%. China’s Foreign Ministry has responded by accusing the US of politicizing trade issues and planning unjustified tariff hikes. The spokesperson vowed that China would take necessary measures to defend its rights and interests.

This move by the White House follows President Biden’s recent decision to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum, citing China’s unfair trade practices. The administration’s forthcoming action is the result of internal debates over the best approach to Chinese import duties, with a focus on addressing unfair practices in various industries.

As the trade war between the US and China continues to escalate, the impact of these tariffs on both countries’ economies remains a point of contention. The contrasting approaches of Biden and former President Trump highlight the complex politics of tariffs and their implications for global trade relations.