U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer called President Donald Trump's consideration of $100 billion in additional tariffs on China an "appropriate response" to Beijing's "unjustified" latest tariff threat.
In a statement Thursday, Lighthizer said after "a detailed investigation, USTR found overwhelming evidence that China's unreasonable actions are harming the U.S. economy."
"President Trump is proposing an appropriate response to China's recent threat of new tariffs," he said, adding: "the appropriate response from China should be to change its behavior, as China's government has pledged to do many times."
"Economies around the world — including China's own — would benefit if China would implement policies that truly reward hard work and innovation, rather than continuing its policies that distort the vital high-tech sector," he said.
"Unfortunately, China has chosen to respond thus far with threats to impose unjustified tariffs on billions of dollars in U.S. exports, including our agricultural products. Such measures would undoubtedly cause further harm to American workers, farmers, and businesses. Under these circumstances, the President is right to ask for additional appropriate action to obtain the elimination of the unfair acts, policies, and practices identified in USTR's report."
Earlier Thursday, Trump announced he was ordering the U.S. Trade representative to consider the new tariffs amid the escalating trade dispute with China.
Lighthizer conducted a Section 301 investigation that determined Beijing has unfairly forced American firms to turn over intellectual property and technology in order to do business in China, The Hill reported.
In his statement, he emphasized that additional tariffs will not be implemented until they undergo a public comment process.
The White House on Tuesday slapped a $50 billion tariff package on China, with 25 percent tariffs being leveled on imports of Chinese electronics, shoes, furniture and other goods.
Beijing retaliated on Wednesday, hitting the U.S. with 25 percent tariffs on imports of U.S. soybeans, corn, airplanes and automobiles in a package that totals about $50 billion worth of goods.
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