Beijing accuses Donald Trump of ‘blackmail’ amid threats of fresh tariffs
Beijing — Beijing on Tuesday accused Donald Trump of "blackmail" and warned it would retaliate in kind after the US president threatened to impose fresh tariffs on Chinese goods, pushing the world’s two biggest economies closer to a trade war. Trump said on Monday he had asked the US Trade Representative to target $200bn worth of imports for a 10% levy, citing China’s "unacceptable" move to raise its own tariffs. He added that he would identify an extra $200bn of goods — for a possible total of $450b n, or most Chinese imports — "if China increases its tariffs yet again". "Further action must be taken to encourage China to change its unfair practices, open its market to US goods and accept a more balanced trade relationship with the US," Trump said in a statement. Last week, he announced 25% tariffs on $50bn in Chinese imports, prompting Beijing to retaliate with matching duties on US goods. The US leader warned on Friday of "additional tariffs" should Beijing hit back with tit-for-...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.