The Office of the US Trade Representative will hold public hearings on Tuesday and Wednesday over proposed tariffs on $16 billion worth of imported Chinese goods.
The announced tariffs are in response to China's trade practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation based on the findings in the USTR's investigation under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974.
Of the 25 percent tariffs authorized for $50 billion of Chinese products, tariffs on $34 billion are in effect, and tariffs on the remaining $16 billion will be the subject of the public hearings.
Tariffs also are a contentious issue between the US and the European Union, and with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker traveling to Washington on Wednesday to discuss trade with US President Donald Trump, automobiles will be the focus.
Trump said he is prepared to impose a 20 to 25 percent tax on imported automobiles and auto parts if negotiations don't go well.
Europe has a 10 percent tariff on car imports, while the US has a 2.5 percent tariff on foreign cars. But the US also has a 25 percent tariff on light trucks (which includes SUVs).
Trump is talking about raising the tax on automobiles and auto parts to 20 or 25 percent.
Source: China Daily