He also ordered an analysis on the ‘National Security Risks’ posed by U.S. dependence on foreign goods.

On Wednesday, the White House released an informational memo stating that China could face tariffs of up to 245% due to its retaliatory actions in the trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

RELATED:

California Farmers Hammered by Trump’s Tariffs Turmoil

On Tuesday, Trump signed an executive order to launch an analysis on the “National Security Risks” posed by U.S. dependence on foreign supplies of critical minerals and their derivatives—such as rare earth elements—most of which are controlled by China.

The executive order notes that “more than 75 countries have already reached out to negotiate new trade agreements” following the partial tariff pause announced by Trump on April 9.

“As a result, the highest individualized tariffs are currently on hold amid these negotiations, except in the case of China, which retaliated,” the memo continues, adding that “China faces a tariff of up to 245% on exports to the United States as a result of its retaliatory measures.”

The 245% tariff would result from the combination of a 125% reciprocal tariff announced on April 9, an additional 20% tariff as punishment for what Washington considers insufficient efforts to address fentanyl trafficking to the U.S., and Section 301 tariffs on specific products ranging from 7.5% to 100%.

Section 301 of the Trade Act authorizes the U.S. President to implement tariff and non-tariff measures in response to what are deemed unfair practices by other countries. The United States has already been applying tariffs on China under this section of the law since the first Trump Administration. The U.S. Trade Representative may regularly request policy reviews under Section 301.

The escalation of Trump’s trade war means that Chinese imports are currently subject to 145% in U.S. tariffs, while U.S. exports to China face 125% in tariffs.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

EN ESTA NOTA: