Trump's Use of Tariffs in the US-China Trade War

’s tariffs on steel and aluminum were unconstitutional, the president had already imposed tariffs on $122 billion worth of Chinese goods and threatened tariffs on an additional $232 billion. These actions have sparked a trade war between the two countries, leading to increased prices for consumers and retaliatory tariffs from China. Trump has justified these tariffs as a way to protect American jobs and industries, but critics argue that they are damaging the US economy and global trade. In response to the legal challenge, the administration is now considering using a rarely invoked, 301 trade law to impose tariffs on $338 billion worth of Chinese goods. This law, originally created to combat unfair trade practices, has only been used a handful of times in the past. The decision to use this law would likely further escalate tensions between the US and China and could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Regardless of the outcome of this trade dispute, it is clear that tariffs have become a key tool in Trump's economic policies. As the 2020 election approaches, it is likely that the president will continue to use tariffs as a way to appeal to his base and push his "America First" agenda. Whether this approach will ultimately be successful in achieving its goals remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the numbers 122, 232, 301, and 338 will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of international trade."