US President Donald Trump said during a press conference in the Oval Office that his administration may introduce additional tariffs on China as early as next week. He announced the possibility of introducing a 10% tariff on all Chinese goods from February 1.
Trump explained that one of the reasons for this decision is the arrival of significant amounts of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid analgesic, which causes serious public health problems, to the United States through China, Mexico and Canada. In his opinion, the threat of tariffs may force China to tighten measures against the movement of this deadly drug.
"10% for China, based on the fact that they send Fentanyl to Mexico and Canada," Trump said. At the same time, the President noted that he had not yet discussed this issue with the head of the PRC Xi Jinping, but focused on the danger of fentanyl.
"We didn't talk too much about tariffs except that he knows my position," Trump added.
CNN reminds that during his election campaign, Trump promised to set a 60% tariff for all goods imported from China.
The President also warned of a possible increase in duties on European goods. "This applies not only to China. China is the abuser, but also the European Union is very bad," Trump said. He accused the EU of discrimination against American goods.
"They treat us very, very bad. They do not take our cars. They do not take our agricultural products. We have a shortage with the European Union of $ 350 billion," the American leader said.
