US Trump Expanding Tariffs To China

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – President Donald J. Trump is expanding trade tariffs on China after announcing similar measures for Canada and Mexico.

The White House said that starting Saturday, he will impose 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico and 10 percent tariffs on goods from China.

It did not say whether there would be any exemptions to the measures that critics say could result in swift price increases for foreign goods for U.S. consumers.

Trump argues the measures are needed to protect American jobs and also to pressure Canada and Mexico to help tackle illegal migration.

“I can confirm that tomorrow, the February 1st deadline that President Trump put into place at a statement several weeks ago continues,” explained White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.

She reiterated the plans for a 25 percent levy on Canada and Mexico and confirmed a 10 percent rate on China.

EU TARGETED?

Leavitt declined to elaborate on when and if tariffs will be imposed on the 27-nation European Union.

There is concern in countries such as Germany, where automakers such as Volkswagen have faced their worst crisis in recent history, partly due to rising competition from Chinese companies.

Last month, Volkswagen negotiated with the IG Metall trade union to avert plant closures in Germany and avoid immediate compulsory redundancies after massive strikes and protests.

However, the two sides agreed to cut more than 35,000 jobs across the country in a “socially responsible manner” by 2030, saving some 15 billion euros ($15.6 billion).

Trump’s tariffs would make it more difficult for German automakers to compete in the United States, another crucial market.

According to a Worthy News assessment, that would further threaten the future of Germany’s car makers, one of the most important industries in Europe’s largest economies.

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