White House defends trade policy, weighs levying $100B more tariffs on China

Global Business

White House defends trade policy, weighs levying $100B more tariffs on China

White House officials say Thursday’s surprise order from U.S. President Donald Trump for another list of potential tariffs on $100 billion worth of Chinese imports, was all part of a plan.

CGTN’s Nathan King reports.

“He intended to do this all along. Again, yes, he intended to take a tough stand. That was a campaign pledge to help America grow. He’s right. That’s my point. I’ll say it again. Blame China not Trump.” said White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow.

For now, imposing new tariffs is still likely months away. The White House says it wants to negotiate, but admits there are currently no talks, and China is ruling them out under the current circumstances. There are consultations beginning at the World Trade Organization, but Trump has tweeted that the WTO is part of the problem.

Domestic reaction in the U.S. has been largely negative to the latest escalation in tariffs threats – the stock market is taking a beating and even President Trump’s political allies aren’t happy.

Slapping tariffs on China was part of what Donald Trump campaigned on- now he is surrounded by like-minded advisers like U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Trade Adviser Peter Navarro – voices that have called for caution have mostly left the White House.

Beyond calling for China to change its practices, the White House has not said what it would settle for in any negotiations.