Trump intensifies trade war, threatens duties on almost all imports from China

Donald Trump has threatened on Friday that he was prepared to impose duties on practically all Chinese imports into the United States, warning that he could add tariffs to another $267 billion of goods on top of the $200 billion already set for levies.

If the US President goes through with his threat, it would substantially escalate his trade war with Beijing, especially since China has itself said it could retaliate, including taking action on US companies operating in its territory.

Speaking just hours after the period for public reactions to the $200 billion China duties list he had set ended, Trump told reporters abroad Air Force One that he was “being strong on China because [he had] to be”.

“The $200 billion we are talking about could take place very soon, depending on what happens with them. To a certain extent it’s going to be up to China,” he said, “And I hate to say this, but behind that is another $267 billion ready to go on short notice, if I want. That totally changes the equation.”

On the $200 billion list are consumer products such as cameras, suitcases, tires and vacuum cleaners, which would see a tariff of 10% to 25% levied upon them.

Mobile phones aren’t amongst the products, but they would be captured if Trump puts into effect the $267 billion list he warned about.