BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump has instructed aides to proceed with plans to impose tariffs on an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, according to a report from Bloomberg.
Citing people familiar with the matter, Bloomberg said Trump held a meeting on Thursday to discuss the tariffs with top trade advisers, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
The latest news comes on the heels of reports earlier this week indicting the U.S. has proposed holding a new round of trade talks with China in the near future.
Trump sought to downplay the need for new trade talks in a post on Twitter on Thursday, claiming the U.S. is under 'no pressure' to reach an agreement with China.
'The Wall Street Journal has it wrong, we are under no pressure to make a deal with China, they are under pressure to make a deal with us,' Trump tweeted.
'Our markets are surging, theirs are collapsing,' he added. 'We will soon be taking in Billions in Tariffs & making products at home. If we meet, we meet?'
In remarks to reporters last Friday, Trump indicated the tariffs on $200 billion worth of Chinese goods would be imposed 'very soon' following the expiration of a public comment period at midnight last Thursday.
Trump also threatened to impose tariffs on another $267 billion worth of Chinese goods, levying duties on nearly everything China exports to the U.S.
'The $200 billion we're talking about could take place very soon, depending on what happens with them,' Trump said. 'To a certain extent, it's going to be up to China.'
'I hate to say this, but, behind that, there's another $267 billion ready to go on short notice, if I want,' he added. 'That totally changes the equation.'
China's Commerce Ministry has warned it will be forced to roll out necessary retaliatory measures if the U.S. imposes any new tariffs
(Photo: Gage Skidmore)
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