China and South Korea have criticised new tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels as part of Donald Trump’s “America First” trade policy. The tariffs, announced late on Monday, aim to protect US manufacturers from foreign competition, but opponents fear they could mark the opening salvo
China and South Korea have criticised new tariffs on imported washing machines and solar panels as part of Donald Trump’s “America First” trade policy.
The tariffs, announced late on Monday, aim to protect US manufacturers from foreign competition, but opponents fear they could mark the opening salvo in a trade war if the Asian nations respond in kind.
The move may constitute a “violation of WTO provisions,” said South Korean trade minister Kin Hyuan-chong.
Adding to criticism from environmentalists, who say increasing the cost of solar panels will stunt renewable energy uptake in the US, China’s government spokesman Way Hejun expressed “strong dissatisfaction” with the move.
“Together with other WTO members, China will resolutely defend its legitimate interests,” he said.
The new duties will mainly effect washing machine producers in South Korea and solar panel manufacturers in China.
The tax on solar panels is not as high as US manufactures had hoped, set at 30 per cent for the first year and falling to 15 per cent by the fourth.
