China is now seeking legal relief from the tariffs imposed by the United States on over $200 billion worth of goods imported. China’s complaint with the World Trade Organization alleges that the imposition of the tariffs by the US is illegal and nothing more than thinly veiled attempts at protectionism.
This WTO complaint is just the latest in heightening tensions over a trade war between the Chinese and American governments. According To NPR, the WTO complaint comes less than a week after the Trump administration published a preliminary list of more than 6,000 Chinese products that it wants to hit with an additional 10 percent duty. The list targets products worth a total of $200 billion, ranging from an expansive range of seafood and vegetables to stones, metals, and plywood.
The latest round of U.S. tariffs were announced mere days after China retaliated for an even earlier onslaught of U.S. import taxes. Some of the tariffs were up to 25 percent on items worth approximately $50 billion. China’s subsequent retaliation which will surely ratchet up tensions in the escalating trade war is this recent WTO complaint against the U.S.
The increasing trade tensions have already begun affecting the prices of raw materials such as paper and separate U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel, which hit Canada, Mexico, and the EU, have led to higher prices on some products, NPR reported earlier this month.
President Donald Trump and the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office have said the China tariffs are meant to force China to change its trade policies and do more to prevent the theft of U.S. technology and intellectual property.
Citing its investigation that began in August 2017, the Trade Representative’s tariff notice said it concluded that China’s actions and policies “are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.”
China disputes the U.S. allegation, saying last week, “The tariffs are typical unilateralism, protectionism and trade bullying. They are a clear violation of the basic WTO principle of most-favored-nation treatment as well as the basic spirit and principles of international law.” –NPR
China blamed the low savings rate (which should be of a concern for consumers) of Americans for the trade imbalance, among other economic concerns. China has also stated that the government of the Asian nation does not necessarily want a trade war, but that they also are not afraid of one either.
Files a complaint with the WTO?
Should have filed it with WTFC.
That stands for Who The Fuck Cares.
JS, damn right. Who cares what any commies say about anything?
Maybe we should end ALL trade with China until they stop harvesting organs from political prisoners
https://jasonstapleton.com/809-mitchell-gerber-on-the-genocide-in-china/
That’s one very good reason to end all trade with China. Also the USA needs to show China we don’t need them, we can stand on our own. China also continues to put out poor quality goods; still using lead based paint in toys, and probably dishes. And four days ago a recall on a certain blood pressure medication imported from China. Who’s to say China purposely does this to covertly injure Americans.
China is trying desperately to avoid any fair trade arrangements taking the place of the “free” trade agreement it has now since it can’t compete on level playing field.
Its all smoke and mirrors. Where do you think the trade imbalance goes? Well little boys and girls, when we have a $100 billion trade deficit with China, what do they do with all that $$$? Well guess what…they buy US treasury debt instruments. In other words, they fund our over-consumption….If there were no trade deficit, then they wouldn’t have the $$$ to buy our debt. And if they don’t buy our ever-increasing worthless fiat currency, then the Dollar collapses. Game Over. Soooooooo…what now.?
Let er rip!
Cry baby filing complaint. I don’t think Trump gives a rats ass what the WTO says or China does. He will stick to the tariffs.
Old Guy, my ‘give-a-damn’ broke way back when. I know I don’t give a rat’s ass what Red China, WTO, or anyone says or does.
Tariffs are legal, and so what if it’s protectionism?
China is loosing the trade war and that is why they went to WTO.
Sgt.
When the International Court ruled that China has NO VALID CLAIMS to territory it claims in the South China Sea the Red Chinese in Beijing promptly stated that said court had no jurisdiction over the matter and that they would IGNORE said ruling. Now they want the WTC to go to bat for THEM on the issue of tariffs….. The USA,
i.e. Donald Trump, needs to state OPENLY AND LOUDLY that since the Chinese refuse to accept the International Courts opinion the US is no obligated to pay any attention to the WTC if it rules in favor of China. It’s called KARMA.
Dan, the last time I checked Karma is STILL a bitch.
Is Communist China “suing” the U.S.–like Trump has been ridiculed for advising May of Britain to do to the E.U. over Brexit?
In theory, America is only allowed to use tariffs, within it’s own borders, as blockades are an illegal act of war.
China is complaining about limits, which we have only placed on ourselves.