US not to slash tariffs against China unilaterally — White House

The United States is not going to reduce tariffs on products from China unilaterally, White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, adding that Washington needs to see a reduction in tariffs and removal of trade barriers for the US, Report informs.

"Let me be clear, there will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs against China. The president has made it clear: China needs to make a deal with the United States of America. And we are optimistic that will happen," she said in an interview aired by the Fox News TV channel. "It will be up to the president what the tariff rate on China will be, but we certainly need to see a reduction in tariffs and tariff barriers from China," Leavitt said.

On April 2, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories. On April 9, he announced suspension of additional import tariffs imposed on a reciprocal basis for a number of countries and territories for 90 days. The White House explained that the pause was related to trade negotiations, adding that during this period, a universal tariff of 10% will be in effect. Concurrently, the US president raised tariffs on Chinese products to 125%. Considering the rate of 20% imposed earlier for allegedly inefficient efforts by governments of Canada, China, and Mexico in their fight against the fentanyl smuggling, the tariff on goods from China currently totals 145%.