White House confirms tariff on $50 billion worth of Chinese goods


The White House confirmed Tuesday that it will be going forward with the implementation of heavy tariffs on Chinese imports next month following weeks of concern that doing so might spark a trade war, The New York Times reports. Some $50 billion in imported goods will be subject to the 25 percent tariff, with a finalized list of goods expected by June 15. The U.S. also plans to implement restrictions to China's access to American technology, with the administration citing national security concerns.
Trade negotiations between the nations are ongoing, with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin saying the trade war was "on hold" less than two weeks ago. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross will travel to China to continue talks in early June.
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Jeva Lange was the executive editor at TheWeek.com. She formerly served as The Week's deputy editor and culture critic. She is also a contributor to Screen Slate, and her writing has appeared in The New York Daily News, The Awl, Vice, and Gothamist, among other publications. Jeva lives in New York City. Follow her on Twitter.
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