U.S. plans tariffs on more Chinese chemicals

Abstract

The U.S. has ratcheted up the trade war with China with the release of a long list of Chinese-made commodities, worth $200 billion in total, targeted for a 10% tariff. Numerous organic and inorganic chemicals are on the list. The U.S. move is a reaction to China’s decision on July 6 to push ahead with a 25% tariff on $34 billion worth of U.S. imports, including many plastics. The Chinese action, in turn, was a response to an earlier U.S. decision to add a 25% tariff on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods. Those products were announced in two groups—worth $34 billion and $16 billion, respectively—in April and June. The U.S. says its actions aim to force China to change predatory practices in technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. Because China is both a major market and a key supplier, the trade row will have a profound impact on the