What were the US tariffs on China before Trump?
Before the Trump administration, the United States had a complex relationship with China in terms of trade and tariffs. The history of tariffs between the two countries dates back to the early 20th century, with a series of agreements and disputes shaping the trade landscape. This article aims to provide an overview of the US tariffs on China before the Trump presidency.
Early Tariffs and Trade Agreements
The United States and China first engaged in trade negotiations in the 19th century. In the early 20th century, the United States imposed tariffs on Chinese imports to protect American industries. The Tariff Act of 1930, also known as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods, including those from China. This act was aimed at protecting American industries during the Great Depression but ultimately backfired, leading to a significant decline in international trade.
Post-WWII Trade Relations
After World War II, the United States and China began to normalize their trade relations. The United States joined the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1947, which aimed to reduce trade barriers among member countries. China, however, was not a member of GATT at the time.
In 1979, the United States and China established diplomatic relations, which led to a significant increase in trade between the two countries. The United States continued to impose tariffs on Chinese imports, but these tariffs were generally lower than those imposed during the early 20th century.
Trade Disputes and Tariffs in the 1980s and 1990s
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the United States and China faced several trade disputes. One of the most notable disputes was the China’s intellectual property rights protection, which led to the United States imposing tariffs on Chinese goods. In 1989, the United States imposed a 100% tariff on certain Chinese imports, including textiles and footwear, in response to China’s failure to protect intellectual property rights.
Another significant trade dispute occurred in the 1990s when the United States accused China of manipulating its currency to gain an unfair trade advantage. In response, the United States imposed tariffs on Chinese steel imports in 1994.
Trade Agreements and Tariffs in the Early 2000s
In the early 2000s, the United States and China continued to engage in trade negotiations. The United States imposed tariffs on Chinese imports in various sectors, including steel, textiles, and telecommunications. However, these tariffs were generally lower than those imposed during the early 20th century.
In 2001, the United States and China signed the U.S.-China Bilateral Trade Agreement, which aimed to reduce trade barriers and promote economic cooperation. The agreement resulted in a significant reduction in tariffs on Chinese imports.
Conclusion
Before the Trump administration, the United States and China had a complex history of tariffs and trade disputes. While the United States imposed tariffs on Chinese imports in various sectors, these tariffs were generally lower than those imposed during the early 20th century. The Trump administration’s policies marked a significant shift in the trade relationship between the two countries, leading to a series of trade wars and tariffs that have impacted global trade.
