WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump’s trade policy faces a key crossroads on Thursday, as officials try to reach a deal with Canada, and he will decide whether to impose a huge wave of new tariffs on China. With Canada, the largest US trading partner, talks seem to be on track to agree on a rewrite of the North American Free Trade Agreement.
But there have been no further discussions with China to try to resolve the bitter dispute with Beijing, and Trump could announce the next step that would impose steep duties on half the goods the US imports from the world’s second largest economy, as soon as Thursday.
The deadline for public comment on the next wave of punitive taxes on $200 billion of annual imports from China expires on Thursday, and Trump reportedly wants to impose the tariffs immediately.
That would take the total goods targeted to $250 billion of the $500 billion imported each year.
Trump has had Beijing in his crosshairs since he took office, and has applied increasing pressure to try to convince the country to change its policies, allow more imports and reduce the $335 billion US trade deficit.
China so far has retaliated dollar-for-dollar with tariffs, but since it imports less than $200 billion a year in US goods, it will run out of room to respond directly.
The last effort at a negotiated solution came in late August with meetings of low-level officials, but nothing came of them.
US businesses have become increasingly concerned about the exchange of tariffs, which are raising prices for manufacturers and hurting US consumers and farmers.
But Trump has been unapologetic, insisting that his tough tactics will work.
Meanwhile, talks are due to continue for another day with Canada to keep Nafta 2.0 as a three-party trade deal — although Trump on Wednesday said he would “surprise” the public with a new name.
Canada Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said the sides are making “good progress” towards a deal to revise the North American Free Trade Agreement, but talks will continue to resolve remaining issues. — AFP
China warns of retaliation if US slaps new tariff measures
BEIJING: China will be forced to retaliate if the United States implements any new tariff measures, China’s commerce ministry warned on Thursday, as the world’s two biggest economies remain locked in an intensifying trade war.
Global markets were on edge after US President Donald Trump threatened fresh tariffs on another $200 billion in Chinese imports.
“If the United States, regardless of opposition, adopts any new tariff measures, China will be forced to roll out necessary retaliatory measures,” ministry spokesman Gao Feng told a regular news conference.
China will closely monitor the impact from any fresh tariffs and adopt strong measures to help Chinese or foreign firms operating in China to overcome difficulties, said Gao.
The Trump administration is ready to move ahead with a next round of tariffs after a public comment period ends at midnight in Washington on Thursday, but the timing is uncertain, people familiar with the administration’s plans said. — Reuters
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