This archive report was first published on 13 August 2019.
On August 1, 2019, US President Donald Trump announced a new round of tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese goods, set to take effect on September 1. However, in a surprise move, the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced a delay in the imposition of new 10 percent tariffs on Chinese electronics until December 15.
The delay comes as a relief to US retailers and global financial markets, which had been bracing for the impact of the tariffs on the holiday shopping season. The tariffs would have subjected all Chinese imports into the United States to additional duties, affecting a wide range of products, including cell phones, laptops, computer monitors, video game consoles, and toys.
According to the USTR, certain products will be removed from the tariff list based on health, safety, national security, and other factors. These include car seats, shipping containers, cranes for ports, and bibles.
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer spoke with Chinese Vice Premier Liu He early Tuesday, and another call is planned in two weeks. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin also participated in the call.
Despite the delay, tensions between the US and China remain high. President Trump has continued to publicly pursue hardline tactics against China, accusing Beijing of renegeing on its commitment to buy US agricultural goods.
"As usual, China said they were going to be buying 'big' from our great American Farmers. So far they have not done what they said. Maybe this will be different!" Trump tweeted on Tuesday.
