US President Joe Biden to Announce New China Tariffs Targeting Electric Vehicles and Strategic Sectors Next Week: Sources

US President Joe Biden is set to announce new China tariffs targeting strategic sectors including electric vehicles, semiconductors, and solar equipment as soon as next week, according to sources familiar with the matter. The announcement, expected to take place as soon as Tuesday, will largely maintain existing levies and could be delayed. The US Trade Representative’s office made recommendations to the White House weeks ago, but the final announcement was delayed as the package was debated internally.

The Biden administration’s focus on specific sectors aligns with its efforts to address strategic competitive and national security concerns. The measures could invite retaliation from China, as tensions between the two countries remain high. Biden has emphasized that he does not want a trade war with China but acknowledges the new paradigm of competition between the two nations.

The announcement comes as Biden seeks to differentiate his approach from that of former President Donald Trump, who imposed broad tariffs during his presidency. Biden’s targeted approach aims to address specific areas of concern, such as Chinese trade practices in sectors like shipbuilding, maritime, and logistics.

The Biden administration has also been pressuring Mexico to prohibit China from selling its metal products to the United States indirectly. China has criticized the tariff measures as counterproductive and harmful to the global economy.

The details of the new tariffs, including their value and categories, remain unclear. However, the announcement is expected to signal a shift in US-China trade policy under the Biden administration. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.