U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has issued a stark warning to China, stating that the responsibility for reducing tariffs lies entirely with Beijing.
He cautioned that continued U.S. tariffs—currently as high as 145% on certain Chinese imports—could result in up to 10 million job losses in China "very quickly," highlighting the vulnerability of some Chinese industries to American trade barriers.
Even With Tariff Relief, China Faces Job Losses
Besant noted that even if the U.S. were to ease tariffs, China could still lose as many as 5 million jobs due to the existing trade imbalances between the two countries.
We’re a deficit nation, he said, “and they sell to us nearly five times more than we sell to them.” He emphasized that this imbalance justifies China taking meaningful steps, including removing its own trade barriers, to help restore fairness.
U.S. Takes a Tougher Tone Amid Escalating Trade Tensions
These comments come amid growing strain in the U.S.–China trade relationship, with increased domestic pressure on the Biden administration to protect American industries and jobs.
Besant’s statements signal a more aggressive stance from the U.S., suggesting a strategy aimed at securing more balanced and equitable trade terms with China moving forward.
