US Implements Up to 245% Tariffs on Chinese Imports

In a major escalation of trade tensions, the US imposed tariffs as high as 245% on certain imports from China. The measures were intended to remedy longstanding trade imbalances and alleged unfair practices in manufacturing adopted by the Chinese. These tariffs would impact electronics, machinery, and many other important sectors. According to the White House, these measures are meant to protect domestic industries and facilitate fair competition. Some analysts see the move as a triggering point for retaliation by Beijing but others believed that the provocations could drive American companies to opt for contracting instead on Chinese supply chains. This has brought a heated debate as to how it would affect global trade and, worse, prices that Americans will need to pay.