US Secretary of Commerce Lutnick: 15-20 letters are expected, copper tariffs for August

The US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, revealed that it is expected to be announced between 15 and 20 letters in the next two days, he said in an interview with CNBC.

He added that copper tariffs are likely to be implemented towards the end of July, perhaps in August. In addition, he declared that the US Treasury Secretary, Scott Besent, the US trade representative, Jamie Greer, and he would meet with China to carry out trade negotiations in early August.

Commercial War between the US and China – Frequently Questions


In general terms, “Trade War” is a commercial war, an economic conflict between two or more countries due to the extreme protectionism of one of the parties. It implies the creation of commercial barriers, such as tariffs, which are in counterbarreras, increasing import costs and, therefore, the cost of life.


An economic conflict between the United States (USA) and China began in early 2018, when President Donald Trump established commercial barriers against China, claiming unfair commercial practices and theft of intellectual property by the Asian giant. China took retaliation measures, imposing tariffs on multiple American products, such as cars and soybeans. The tensions climbed until the two countries signed the Phase one trade agreement between the US and China in January 2020. The agreement required structural reforms and other changes in China’s economic and commercial regime and intended to restore stability and confidence between the two nations. Coronavirus pandemia diverted the attention of the conflict. However, it is worth mentioning that President Joe Biden, who took office after Trump, kept the tariffs and even added some additional encumbrances.


Donald Trump’s return to the White House as the 47th US president has unleashed a new wave of tensions between the two countries. During the 2024 election campaign, Trump promised to impose 60% tariff particularly in investment, and directly feeding the inflation of the consumer price index.

Source: Fx Street

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