Washington (TDI): China now faces tariffs of 245% on import of goods into the United States “as a result of its retaliatory actions”, the White House said on Tuesday as the trade war between the two countries appears to run further and further off road.
The announcement came as President Donald Trump authorized probe into “national security risks posed by the US’ reliance on imported, processed critical minerals and derived products”, which includes cobalt, lithium, and nickel, and rare-earth metals used to manufacture smartphones and batteries, as well as military equipment.
Trump’s order points out the US is “dependent on foreign sources. That are at risk of serious, continued and long-term supply chain shocks”.
This dependence, the White House said, increases possibility for risks to national security, technological development, and economic prosperity.
Until now tit-for-tat tariff exchanges had seen the US levy a 145% tax on Chinese imports and Beijing slap a 125% duty on American goods.
China has also banned the export of certain items, including those used by aerospace manufacturers and military contractors.
Read More: Trump Halts Tariffs for 90 Days, Imposes 125% Levy on China
In response to a question about the White House’s statement claiming China now faces up to a 245% tariff on imports to the US as a result of its retaliatory actions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian responded that “you can ask the US side for the specific tax rate figures.”
Lin said on Wednesday’s media briefing that Beijing has repeatedly stated its solemn position on the tariff issue.
Read More: China Hits Back: 125% Tariffs on US Goods
The tariff war was initiated by the United States. China has taken necessary countermeasures to protect its legitimate rights and interests and international fairness and justice, which is completely reasonable and legal, he said.
The spokesperson add that tariff and trade wars have no winner. Beijing does not want to fight these wars but is not scared of them.
