Trump Readies Sweeping Tariffs and Investment Restrictions on China

NY Times ^ | 03-16-2018 | ANA SWANSON

[NRx]

WASHINGTON — The dust has yet to settle on President Trump’s decision to impose sweeping tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, but the White House is preparing another major trade measure, this time aimed squarely at China.

Mr. Trump and his top trade advisers are readying a raft of actions to penalize China’s theft of American intellectual property, including tariffs on at least $30 billion of annual Chinese imports, people familiar with the discussions said.

The measures, which could be announced as early as next week, may also include investment restrictions, caps on visas for Chinese researchers and challenges to China’s trade practices at the World Trade Organization. Those familiar with the planning cautioned that the timing could be delayed, and that such measures are likely to be introduced in stages.

The rapid pace of White House trade measures is no accident and comes at the president’s request. At a White House meeting last week, Robert Lighthizer, the United States trade representative, presented Mr. Trump with a plan to target $30 billion a year in Chinese imports.

That amount is equal to the cost that Mr. Lighthizer’s office estimates Chinese policies aimed at acquiring American technology impose on American companies annually. In August, Mr. Lighthizer officially began an investigation into those practices, which include digital warfare as well as requiring companies to hand over trade secrets and form joint ventures with Chinese partners to gain access to certain markets.

[confederatecarpetbag]

That isn’t much leverage for China. Where would they “unload” the bonds? China has been selling off Treasuries ever since its liquidity crisis a few years back. There is a reason China continues to buy U.S. Treasuries - simply put, they offer more stability than other foreign financial assets. China could sell off the Treasuries, but would do so at great risk of destabilizing its export-dependent economy, which needs foreign debt to convert to liqidity for its state-run industries.

[VanDeKoik]

“I think there are more than a few on FR who have been suffering from a bad case of buyer’s remorse...”

What some of you and your imaginary friends are suffering from is finding out that you were just talking big about issues like this, but really didn’t want anyone to do anything.

Trumps finally puts into action the rhetoric from our side, and some of you find out how much more you actually have in common with Jeb.

It’s like many of you just play conservative just to feel superior to leftists.

[youngidiot]

There is no lost revenue.

[Stentor]

This thread gives some insight into the election of Lambtard.

[Enlightened1]

Apple could make their iPhones a Trillion dollars a piece.

The price is simply what people (aka the market) are WILLING to pay for it.

If the price is too high, and few people buy it. Then Apple will be forced to lower their prices or go out of business.

That’s how REAL free market capitalism works.

The rigged Globalist trade deals were the worst ever. They are designed to de-industrialized the United States and kill the backbone that made us a Super Power.

Thank God for President Trump!

[Sam Gamgee]

We have been pussy footing around China since Nixon, out of fear or self interest, I don’t know. But finally we have someone who is putting the screws to China. This can only benefit America. Sure, dollar store shit will be more expensive, but worth the cost.

[Enlightened1]

You obviously do not understand basic economics.

[Sam Gamgee]

My hope is Canada wises up and follows suit, but not much chance since our political party is the hand maid of the ChiComs.

[Vaquero]

Yup

Free market capitalism only works when it’s reciprocal.

[Enlightened1]

Mr NeverTrumper....

President Trump is cleaning up the mess your Globalist buddies created since 1993.

President Trump is the first politician in a long time doing the right thing.

What’s your plan? Do more of the same insanity that led us to this point?

Insanity: Doing the same thing over, over again and expecting a different result.

We tried your way for over 20 years, and it was a colossal disaster.

[Enlightened1]

I believer Canada will change. It just make take some time.

[Sir Bangaz Cracka]

That you, Mitch? Paul?

[cranked]

Glabalist much?

[cranked]

TPP was utter garbage despite your and others contentions otherwise.

[Poison Pill]

You obviously do not understand basic economics.

Oh, well since you have a deep understanding of this subject, please tell me what the appropriate tariff percentages would be for all the items the US imports from China?

[Poison Pill]

TPP was utter garbage

What did you not like about TPP's approach to intellectual property issues?

[DoughtyOne]

Thanks so much for your support to this point... I personally apprecaite it...
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Just $460.00 dollars to 92.00%

[Boardwalk]

This is how we do it! Thisss is how we do it.

[Balding_Eagle]

My post was sarcastically mocking a bunch of those hand wringers up thread who claim that the world is going to end because Trump is going after China’s intellectual thefts.

[Go Gordon]

This was my big reservation with Trump. I bet he wouldn't be stupid enough to go down this road

Hey genius, you do realize that all countries place a tariff on goods from the US into their countries? Are you against placing similar tariffs on goods coming into this country? At some point, US companies will produce those products, in country, at a cost less than those from afar. Get used to it.