World

Trump threatens to raise tariffs on $200bn of Chinese goods

May 6, 2019 5:09 am

Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on $200bn of Chinese goods this week, because talks on a US-China trade deal are moving “too slowly”.

The US president tweeted that tariffs of 10% on certain goods would rise to 25% on Friday, and $325bn of untaxed goods could face 25% duties “shortly”.

“The Trade Deal with China continues, but too slowly, as they attempt to renegotiate. No!” he tweeted.

Article continues after advertisement

The countries have seemed near to striking a trade deal in recent weeks.

Mr Trump delayed further tariff increases earlier in the year, citing progress in talks.

The move increases pressure on China as Vice Premier Liu He prepares to travel Washington this week to resume negotiations.

That follows talks in April in Beijing that US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called “productive.”