President Joe Biden delivered a sharp response to former President Donald Trump’s criticism while announcing new tariffs on China. Emphasizing the need to protect American workers from unfair trade practices, Biden outlined significant tariffs on key sectors of the economy.
He announced a 25% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum products to address China’s overcapacity in these industries, highlighting the administration’s investment in clean American steel and aluminum production. Biden underscored the environmental benefits of American manufacturing, noting reduced carbon emissions compared to steel made in China. He highlighted recent investments in clean steel projects across the country, which are expected to create thousands of union jobs.
Biden then announced a 100% tariff on electric vehicles made in China, aiming to prevent unfair competition in the American automobile market. Additionally, tariffs of 25% were imposed on electric vehicle batteries and critical minerals necessary for battery production from China. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the future of electric vehicles is manufactured in America by American workers.
Responding to a reporter’s question about Trump’s assertion that “China is eating our lunch,” Biden quipped, “He’s been feeding them a long time,” before walking off stage. His retort conveyed a sense of frustration with Trump’s past handling of trade relations with China while affirming his administration’s determination to prioritize American interests.
They include saying, I’m announcing today 25% tariff on Chinese steel aluminum products, and we’ll counter China’s overcapacity in these industries. And we’re making major investments in clean American steel and aluminum, clean American steel and aluminum. It’s a big deal.
Clean because of the way we manufacture here emits half as much carbon as steel made in China. Last month, my administration announced a large investment in clean manufacturing in all of history up to $1.5 billion in six clean steel projects across America, creating supporting thousands, thousands of union jobs.
Next, a 100% tariff on electric vehicles made in China. People say wow, because we’re not going to let China flood our market, making it impossible for American automobile model manufacturers to compete fairly. We’re also implementing a 25% tariff on electric vehicle batteries from China, and 25% tariff on critical minerals that make those batteries. Folks, look, I’m determined that the future of electric vehicles will be made in America by United Workers. Period.
