U.S. to hold China tariffs hearing on June 17

WASHINGTON DC, USA – The United States on June 17 will hold public hearings on President Donald Trump’s proposal to put tariffs on another $300 billion in Chinese goods, according to a document published Monday, May 13.

The hearing is part of Trump’s escalating trade offensive against Beijing. If the tariffs are imposed, they would make virtually all Chinese imports to the United States subject to steep, punitive duties.

Beijing on Monday fired its latest counter-salvo, raising tariffs on $60 billion in US exports in retaliation for Trump’s decision to bump up duties on $200 billion in Chinese exports. (READ: China outlines 3 disagreements in U.S. trade talks)

But Trump told reporters on Monday he had not yet decided whether to proceed with the $300 billion round.

“That is a tremendous amount of money that would come into our country,” Trump said, reiterating his belief that duties are paid by trade adversaries, not US importers and consumers. (READ: Trump warns China not to retaliate against U.S. trade tariffs)

“I have not made that decision yet.”

Members of the public, such as diplomats, trade bodies and individuals, also have until the hearing date to submit written comments before officials finalize the list of goods that face duties of up to 25%, according to the US Trade Representative’s office.

US trade with China hit record levels last year, with $540 billion in imports and $$120 billion in exports, according to the US Commerce Department.– Rappler.com