Biden increases tariffs on China

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – President Joe Biden unveiled steep tariff increases on several Chinese imports including electric vehicle batteries, computer chips, and medical products.

Critics of the plan say raising tariffs on some Chinese-made goods will make them more expensive for Americans to buy and its likely a risky move during an election year.

Joined by union workers in the Rose Garden Tuesday President Biden signed sweeping new tariffs.

“For too long it hasn’t been fair,” said Biden.

The new measure pushes the U.S. tax on Chinese steel up to 25%.

Chinese made semiconductors will be hit with a 50% tariff while electric vehicle batteries will rise to 25% and Chinese EV’s will have a 100% tariff placed on them.

“I’m determined the future of electric vehicles will be made in America,” Biden said.

The White House says China has used anti-competitive economic practices for years that have hurt Americans but that will change.

“The increased tariffs are expected to cover approximately $18 billion of trade,” said Ambassador Katherine Tai.

Speaking outside the courtroom where he is on trial former president Donald Trump claimed Biden is late to the party.

“I don’t know where he’s been the last three and a half years. He should have done it a long time ago,” said Trump.

Critics say it’s the taxpayers who will have to pay up.

“When you raise tariffs, that means consumers pay more,” said Brandon Arnold of the National Taxpayers Union.

Some of the states impacted by China’s trade practices are key battleground states like and Michigan and Pennsylvania.

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