Biden bangs up China EV tariffs in US

US president Joe Biden has announced 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs (up from 25%) starting this year.

Plus he’s announced China solar cell import tariffs will double to 50% in 2024 and charges for specific steel and aluminium products to more than triple to 25% (up from 7.5% or lower) this year, a doubling of tariffs on Chinese semiconductors from 25% to 50% by 2025 and increasing tariffs on Chinese batteries (from 7.5%% to 25% starting 2024), critical minerals (zero to 25% from 2024 and 2026), medical supplies, and ship-to-shore cranes (0% to 25% in 2024).

 Biden says the moves are to protect American workers and businesses from “China’s unfair trade practices” which he says include technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation.

He says he’s directing his “Trade Representative” to increase tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 on US$18 billion of imports from China.

“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda has already catalysed more than US$860 billion in business investments through smart, public incentives in industries of the future like electric vehicles (EVs), clean energy, and semiconductors,” The White House says.

“With support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act, these investments are creating new American jobs in manufacturing and clean energy and helping communities that have been left behind make a comeback.

“We will continue to work with our partners around the world to strengthen cooperation to address shared concerns about China’s unfair practices—rather than undermining our alliances or applying indiscriminate 10% tariffs that raise prices on all imports from all countries, regardless whether they are engaged in unfair trade.”

China has reportedly said the new tariff measures are counter-productive and inflict harm on the US and global economy.