The United States is increasing tariffs on electric cars from China from 25% to 100%, the White House said on Tuesday as part on a crackdown on Chinese imports.
The US government is also imposing new or significantly increased tariffs on solar cells, semiconductors, harbour cranes and certain medical products such as protective masks.
The White House says the measures are needed because China is flooding global markets with artificially cheap exports. US President Joe Biden has acted despite striving for a stable relationship with Beijing, Lael Brainard, director of the National Economic Council, told journalists.
"Today’s announcement reflects President Biden’s commitment to always have the back of American workers. When faced with anticompetitive, unfair practices from abroad, the president will deploy any and all tools necessary to protect American workers and industry," a White House statement said.
According to the US government, imports from China totalling $18 billion are affected by the new measures. Possible retaliatory measures from Beijing are now widely expected.