PITTSBURGH, Pa. – During a visit to Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden addressed union members and pledged to triple tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum. Biden accused China of engaging in unfair trade practices, prompting an investigation by the U.S. Trade Representative. The Biden administration asserts that China’s overproduction of goods is harming the American economy by driving down prices and creating an uneven playing field for U.S. products.
Speaking at the United Steel Workers headquarters, Biden emphasized the need to protect American jobs and the steel industry from what he referred to as China’s “cheating” behavior. He proposed increasing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from China in response to alleged anti-competitive practices subsidized by the Chinese government.
Addressing concerns about potential repercussions on U.S.-China relations, Biden expressed confidence in his administration’s efforts to enforce fair trade policies. He also directed attention towards preventing China’s evasion of tariffs by collaborating with Mexico and initiating investigations into other Chinese trade sectors.
Critics of the proposed tariff increase argue that it could lead to higher consumer prices and inflation. However, a senior administration official maintains that such actions are necessary to safeguard American jobs and industries. By ramping up economic rhetoric against China, Biden follows a similar stance taken by former President Donald Trump, who also advocated for higher tariffs on Chinese imports during his term.
The White House’s stance on tariffs coincides with its opposition to the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan’s Nippon Steel, a move that has faced resistance from union members and Biden himself. Despite criticism and concerns, the Biden administration’s focus on trade policies and tariffs is seen as an attempt to address economic challenges and demonstrate a commitment to strengthening the nation’s manufacturing sector.
As the Biden administration seeks to boost its economic appeal to voters, particularly in battleground states like Pennsylvania, the emphasis on higher tariffs on China aims to resonate with blue-collar workers. The debate over tariffs reflects ongoing tensions surrounding trade relations with China and the quest to revitalize American industries amidst global competition. Through these measures, the administration hopes to strike a balance between protecting domestic interests and promoting fair trade practices on a global scale.