New
tariff duties will be put in place on imports of solar panels and washing
machines, an action aimed primarily at China, and marks a start of what
administration officials pledged would be a year of tougher trade actions
against countries like China. "The president’s action makes clear again
that the Trump administration will always defend American workers, farmers,
ranchers, and businesses," U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer
said in a statement. The actions would put import duties on washing machines of
up to 50%, with the rates phasing out over three years, with the duties
combined with quotas. Solar module imports would have duties up to 30% that
would be phased out over four years.
Ag
interests already fretting over the U.S. duties, awaiting a response from China
and whether they may target imports of U.S. soybeans or other ag products as it
responds to the duties. But their reactions thus far have not signaled where
they might respond. "The U.S. side once again abused its trade remedy
measures," China's Commerce Ministry said in a statement. "China
expresses its strong dissatisfaction with this." The agency further said
it hoped the U.S. would "exercise restraint in using trade restrictions
and compliance with multilateral trade rules and will play a positive role in
promoting the world economy." While not detailing how it will respond, the
ministry said China will "resolutely defend its legitimate
interests."