Trump administration adds to China trade pressure with higher tariff plan

Two Trump administration officials told reporters on a conference call that Trump remains open to communications with Beijing

US President Donald Trump sought to ratchet up pressure on China for trade concessions by proposing a higher 25 per cent tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports, his administration said on Wednesday.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said Trump directed the increase from a previously proposed 10 per cent duty because China has refused to meet U.S. demands and has imposed retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

“The increase in the possible rate of the additional duty is intended to provide the administration with additional options to encourage China to change its harmful policies and behaviour and adopt policies that will