Chinese goods may be facing 25% tariffs

Several WASHINGTON — advisers to President Donald Trump, eager to force Beijing back to the negotiating table on trade, are pushing to increase tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods to 25 percent, up from 10 percent, three people briefed on the matter said.

A decision on whether to impose higher tariffs on Chinese imports such as fish, petroleum, chemicals, handbags and textiles has not yet been made. But the potential for a 25-percent tax is being fueled by deep frustration within the White House over its unsuccessful attempts to press China to change its trade practices, as well as by a sharp decline in the value of China’s currency.

Since formal talks between Beijing and Washington fell through in May, Trump has doubled down on his threat to punish China, saying he was prepared to impose tariffs on all Chinese imports. Beijing has promised to retaliate with its own measures, and both countries have already imposed tariffs on $34 billion worth of each others’ imports.

Trump privately told advisers this week that he was intent on staying the course with additional tariffs, one of the people said. The people requested anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose private conversations.

A recent and rapid depreciation in China’s currency, which helps to make Chinese goods cheaper in foreign markets and buoys exports, has given hard-liners inside and outside the administration an opening to advocate even higher levies. Those pushing for higher tariffs include Peter Navarro, a top White House trade adviser, and Steve Bannon, who left the White House last August, according to people familiar with their thinking.

The Chinese currency fell to a 13-month low against the dollar this week. The 25 percent tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods would come in addition to U.S. levies on $34 billion worth of products that are already in place, and an additional $16 billion that are scheduled to go into effect soon.