Trade

China slaps 25% tariffs on $16 billion worth of US goods

Key Points
  • The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announces a 25 percent charge on $16 billion worth of U.S. goods, including vehicles such as large passenger cars and motorcycles.
  • China's announcement comes after the U.S. Trade Representative's office released a finalized list of $16 billion worth in Chinese goods that will be hit with tariffs.
Tariffs may not work but working with our allies may not either, says AEI scholar
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Tariffs may not work but working with our allies may not either, says AEI scholar

China said Wednesday it will retaliate against the latest round of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced a 25 percent charge on $16 billion worth of U.S. goods. The 333 goods being targeted by China include vehicles such as large passenger cars and motorcycles. Various fuels are on the list, as well as fiber optical cables.

China is also going after coal, grease, Vaseline, asphalt and plastic products, and recyclables.

China's announcement comes after the U.S. Trade Representative's office released a finalized list of $16 billion worth in Chinese goods that will be hit with tariffs. The U.S. charges will take effect on Aug. 23. The latest U.S. list brings the total worth of Chinese goods facing a 25 percent tariff to $50 billion.

China retaliates with $16 billion in new tariffs on US goods
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China retaliates with $16 billion in new tariffs on US goods

"This is tit-for-tat exactly," said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at B. Riley FBR. "Our $16 billion comes at a scheduled time, which comes up on the 23rd. China said we see your $16 billion and we'll match your $16 billion."

"They'll pretty much match what we do until they have no more levers to pull. The bad news is the trade war fears in China are escalating. The major concern right now in trade is China," Hogan said.

Tensions between the U.S. and China have been simmering in recent months as the Trump administration takes a more protectionist stance when it comes to trade.

, tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods came into effect. Chinese state media in light of the levies that have been threatened, saying the Asian nation would retaliate.

On July 25, President Donald Trump said China is "being vicious" on trade, noting it is targeting U.S. farmers on purpose.

Trump tweet

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said it must retaliate against the U.S. tariffs "to defend the nation's dignity."

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Chinese state media: Apple could be used as a 'bargaining chip' in the trade war
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Chinese state media: Apple could be used as a 'bargaining chip' in the trade war