US President to Announce $200bln in Tariffs on Chinese Goods as Early as Monday

The Wall Street Journal reported Saturday that the Donald Trump administration officials are prepared to make an official announcement as early as Monday or Tuesday.

A White House Spokeswoman declined to comment to the Journal on a potential announcement, instead pointing to a Friday statement encouraging China to address trade issues with the US.

“The president has been clear that he and his administration will continue to take action to address China’s unfair trade practices. We encourage China to address the long standing concerns raised by the Unites States," the statement read.

The news comes days after Trump met with top economic advisers to discuss trade moves against China. On Thursday, the president tweeted that increased pressure was having an effect on China's economy.

"They are under pressure to make a deal with us," Trump tweeted, adding that "our markets are surging, theirs are collapsing. We will soon be taking in Billions in Tariffs & making products at home. If we meet, we meet?"

Previous back-and-forth measures imposed by the two countries have totaled more than $50 billion in reciprocal measures, as China has retaliated against US.

Hundreds of billions more in tariffs have been proposed by Trump, but those measures have been delayed while officials determine a final list of products.

Last week, Trump threatened a third round of tariffs on another $267 billion of Chinese imports, covering more than total Chinese exports to the US.

Past American tariffs have targeted manufactured Chinese goods including electronics and medical devices, while Chinese tariffs have targeted exports from Republican-held states such as various grains and pork.

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