WASHINGTONPresident Donald Trump authorised a plan Friday to impose a 25 % tariff on $50 billion of Chinese items.
"Trade between our nations, however, has been very unfair, for a very long time," Trump mentioned in a White House assertion launched Friday. "These tariffs are essential to preventing unfair transfers of American technology and intellectual property to China, which will protect American jobs."
This transfer by the commander-in-chief fulfills a marketing campaign promise aimed toward free and truthful commerce for the United States.
Administration officers have signaled help for the tariffs after allegations that Beijing steals from or pressures international corporations at hand over know-how.
The Chinese have threatened to push again if the United States takes actions that hurt Chinese pursuits.
"We made clear that if the U.S. rolls out trade sanctions, including the imposition of tariffs, all outcomes reached by the two sides in terms of trade and economy will not come into effect," mentioned China's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Greg Shuang.
Beijing's record of $50 billion in retaliatory tariffs embody beef and soybeans.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met with China's President Xi Jinping on Thursday the place he raised the problem of commerce.
"I stressed how important it is for President Trump to rectify that situation so that trade becomes more balanced, more reciprocal and more fair, with the opportunity to have American workers be treated fairly," Pompeo mentioned.
The United States commerce deficit with China was $336 billion in 2017 which Trump referred to as a "tremendous."
The resolution to slap tariffs on China comes after the White House launched tariffs on aluminum and metal imports from Canada, Mexico and European allies.