Donald Trump is weighing an executive order that could lead to import duties on a wide range of foreign-made products like steel and aluminum.
(Photo: Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images)
According to what an administration official told Reuters Sunday, the White House is considering launching an investigation into foreign trade practices to determine if the dumping of goods in the U.S. by foreign companies contributes to the trade deficit. Depending on what the investigation finds, it could result in penalties on trading partners that produce steel, aluminum and household appliances.
“The administration would use the results of that investigation to determine the best path forward, which could include everything from no action at all to the levying of supplemental duties,” an official told Reuters. “But whichever action we take would be informed by the results of the investigation and not by predetermined conclusions.”
The news comes just days after Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping decided to launch a 100-day plan to review trade practices between the United States and China. (RELATED: Trump To Sign Executive Orders Cracking Down On Trade One Week Before Chinese President’s Visit)