Donald Trump pulls the trigger on tariffs on $200bn in Chinese goods
Despite the US treasury secretary hinting at trade talks resuming, Trump declares war
President Donald Trump instructed aides on Thursday to proceed with tariffs on about $200bn more in Chinese products despite his treasury secretary’s attempt to restart talks with Beijing to resolve the trade war, according to four people familiar with the matter. But announcement of the new round of tariffs has been delayed as the administration considers revisions based on concerns raised in public comments, the people said. Trump met with his top trade advisers on Thursday to discuss the China tariffs, including treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin, commerce secretary Wilbur Ross and US trade representative Robert Lighthizer, the people said. Mnuchin has led a recent overture to the Chinese to restart trade talks. The public comment period for a list of tariffs on about $200bn in Chinese goods closed last week, and Trump said the duties would be imposed "soon". The new round would be in addition to $50bn in Chinese goods that already face a 25% duty. US stocks erased gains on the ne...
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