Time warp

10 Jul 2018 By Gina Chon Follow @GinaChon

Trump is using 1980s tactics to hit China with tariffs. The Gipper used similar levies to curb Japanese chips, computers and TVs. But Reagan also helped kick off global talks that created the WTO. Today’s White House wields only sticks, not carrots that might boost U.S. exports.

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China’s commerce ministry said increased anti-dumping tariffs for some imported U.S. optical-fiber products, including goods made by Corning, will go into effect on July 11. The new levies range from 33.3 percent to 78.2 percent, compared with 4.7 percent to 18.6 percent previously.

China has also imposed tariffs of 25 percent on U.S. imports in response to levies imposed by the U.S. government on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods. The administration of President Donald Trump is considering tariffs on another $16 billion worth of Chinese imports.

The U.S. government imposed the tariffs after an investigation into Chinese intellectual-property theft and technology transfers under Section 301 of the U.S. Trade Act of 1974. The law allows the president to unilaterally impose tariffs in cases of trade-agreement violations or unfair trade practices.

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