Tariff hikes on Chinese products hurt U.S. economy and global fight against climate change: Opinions

The recent decision by the Biden administration to impose new tariffs on Chinese imports has sparked criticism from various quarters within the United States. Critics, including experts, officials, and media outlets, argued that these measures have the potential to inflict harm on U.S. consumers, potentially leading to substantial job losses, and undermining the global efforts to combat climate change.

The tariffs, affecting a range of industries including Chinese electric vehicles, solar panels, and steel products, were introduced under the banner of "protecting American workers and businesses," despite the fact that President Biden had previously criticized similar tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, which he argued having inflicted economic pain on U.S. farmers, consumers, and manufacturers who had to face elevated import prices.

These tariffs are expected to drive up costs for U.S. distributors, retailers, and ultimately consumers, according to an analysis from CNN. Ryan Sweet, chief U.S. economist at Oxford Economics, was cited as saying that the tariffs typically make more political than economic sense.

The view was echoed by Kenny Polcari, chief market strategist at SlateStone Wealth, who said that the move would bring greater pain to American consumers.

Criticism of President Biden's move has also emerged from within the political sphere.

Jared Polis, Governor of Colorado, said in a social media post that "This is horrible news for American consumers and a major setback for clean energy." "Tariffs are a direct, regressive tax on Americans and this tax increase will hit every family," he added.

Scott Lincicome, vice president of general economics and the Stiefel Trade Policy Center at the Cato Institute, highlighted the contradiction between raising tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, solar panels, and batteries, and President Biden's stated commitment to addressing climate change and reducing carbon emissions, in an interview with FOX Business.

Meanwhile, leading Chinese photovoltaic companies such as Longi Green Energy, JA Solar Technology, and JinkoSolar have indicated that the latest tariffs on solar cells are unlikely to significantly impact the domestic photovoltaic industry, as reported by financial news outlet Yicai.

Read more: China 'strongly' opposes U.S. tariff hike on EVs, chips and others