Biden unveils tariff hikes on Chinese EVs, solar cells, semiconductors, other imports

U.S. President Joe Biden acknowledges White House executive chef Cristeta Comerford, at a reception celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, Monday. Reuters-Yonhap

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden plans to quadruple tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and hike duties for solar cells, semiconductors and other "strategic" sectors, the White House said Tuesday, as he is revving up his reelection campaign.

The Biden administration announced a new package of tariff increases, casting it as an endeavor to protect American workers and businesses from what it calls China's unfair trade practices.

Under the package, it plans to hike tariffs this year on Chinese EVs from 25 percent to 100 percent, on solar cells from 25 percent to 50 percent, on certain steel and aluminum products from up to 7.5 percent to 25 percent and on lithium-ion EV batteries from 7.5 percent to 25 percent.

Tariffs on semiconductors will double to 50 percent by next year while those on certain medical products, such as syringes and needles, will increase to 50 percent from zero this year. Tariffs on natural graphite and permanent magnets will also rise from zero to 25 percent in 2026.

Biden directed his trade representative to increase tariffs on US$18 billion worth of imports from China, according to his office.

Berating China's "unfair" and "non-market" practices, the White House underscored that American workers and businesses can "outcompete anyone" as long as they have fair competition.

"Following an in-depth review by the U.S. Trade Representative, President Biden is taking action to protect American workers and American companies from China's unfair trade practices," it said in a release.

"To encourage China to eliminate its unfair trade practices regarding technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation, the president is directing increases in tariffs across strategic sectors," it added.

The hikes came as former President Donald Trump has floated the idea of raising tariffs to 60 percent or more on all imports from China in addition to his proposal for a 10-percent "universal" baseline tariff. (Yonhap)