Pres. Biden puts 100% tariffs on some Chinese products

Published: May. 14, 2024 at 6:49 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (Gray DC) - President Biden is escalating the trade war with China . Tuesday, he announced he’s raising tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, semiconductors, steel and aluminum.

The Biden administration plans to raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles to 100%, Chinese steel and aluminum to 25% and Chinese solar cells to 50%.

The president says, “And we’re standing up against Chinese government unfair economic practices now.”

He explained that his actions are necessary because of unfair Chinese trade practices and the necessity of protecting American workers and businesses.

“That’s why today I’m announcing new tariffs in key sectors of the economy that ensure that our workers are not held back by unfair trade practices.”

The increased tariffs were praised by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), whose district is heavily dependent on the auto industry.

“Today’s tariffs were an acknowledgment that if you’re going to try and flood us with aluminum or flood us with your vehicles, we’re not going to accept that.”

Former President Trump suggested at a campaign rally Saturday that President Biden is ripping off his trade tariffs policy. His campaign followed up with a statement Tuesday, saying, ““Joe Biden’s action today is a weak and futile attempt to distract from the grievous harm his insane Electric Vehicle mandate is doing to the U.S. auto industry and how his radical policies are wiping out thousands of American auto jobs.” With Trump campaign press secretary Karoline Leavitt adding, “It’s all about Crooked Joe’s agenda of killing gas-powered automobiles while forcing Americans into ultra-expensive Electric Vehicles they don’t want and can’t afford.”

Meanwhile, China in a statement said that Beijing would take what it called resolute measures to defend its own interests and claim the tariff increases are motivated by politics.