Trump escalates China trade war, threatens tariffs worth $200bn
Washington, June 19 : US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods shipped to Washington unless Beijing agrees to a host of sweeping trade concessions, media reports said.
In a statement on Monday, Trump said he had US Trade Representative Robert E. Lighthizer, to draw up a list of $200 billion in Chinese products that will be hit with tariffs of 10 per cent if China refuses his demands to narrow the yawning American trade deficit and change its industrial policies, reports The Washington Post.
"The trade relationship between the US and China must be much more equitable. The US will no longer be taken advantage of on trade by China and other countries in the world," Trump said.
"Further action must be taken to encourage China to change its unfair practices, open its market to US goods, and accept a more balanced trade relationship with the US," he added.
In a statement published shortly after Trump's announcement, China's Ministry of Commerce called the move "blackmail" and accused the US of "extreme pressure and extortionist behaviour".
"If the US loses its senses and comes up with a new list, China will be forced to strike back hard and launch comprehensive measures that match the US move in quantity and quality," it said.
The tariffs, which the US government says are punishment for intellectual property theft, will be enacted in two phases, reports CNN.
More than 800 exports, about $34 billion worth, will be subject to tariffs starting July 6. Another 280 or so still need to undergo a public comment period, and will take effect later.
On June 15, Trump imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on $50 billion in Chinese imports, The Washington Post reported.
China immediately hit back with tariffs on $50 billion in American products, including agricultural goods.
However, none of the tariffs announced on Monday will take effect until industries and consumers have a chance to make their views known in a 60-day public comment period.
The tariffs if implemented, would dramatically expand the goods facing trade measures to a range of consumer items, forcing Americans to pay more for smartphones, computers, toys, televisions and just about every other middle-class staple.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
