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Economics

Yes, Trump Tariffs Are Costing Billions. No, China Isn't Paying

  • President has suggested duties are mostly borne by China
  • Burden falls most on U.S. firms and consumers, economists say
Bloomberg business news
Fed's Clarida Says Trade War 'Has Not Had a Big Impact on the Economy'

President Donald Trump is justifying raising tariffs on Chinese imports on grounds they are helping the U.S. economy and are mostly paid by China. The opposite is true, economists say.

According to data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, almost $15.3 billion in duties imposed by the Trump administration last year were assessed on imported goods from China as of April 10. Actual collections could lag and be lower with refunds and other factors.