In a recent speech to union members in Pennsylvania, President Joe Biden made a strong case for tripling tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum imports. Biden accused China of engaging in unfair trade practices and expressed his concern about the impact on the American economy.

During his visit to the headquarters of the United Steel Workers, Biden highlighted China's alleged cheating in the steel trade and announced that the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is currently investigating these practices. If the investigation confirms China's anti-competitive trade practices, Biden called upon U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai to consider tripling the tariff rates for both steel and aluminum imports from China.

The Biden administration argues that China's overproduction and export of goods to the U.S. have resulted in artificially low prices, which negatively affect the American economy. Biden denounced China's state-subsidized steel companies, stating that they have flooded the market, making it difficult for American companies to compete fairly.

The current average tariff on steel and aluminum imports from China stands at 7.5%. However, Biden's proposal to triple the tariffs aims to address the alleged unfair practices and protect American jobs. When asked about the potential impact on his relationship with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Biden expressed no concern.

In addition to the tariff increase, Biden directed his administration to collaborate with Mexico to prevent China from evading tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Mexico into the U.S. The U.S. Trade Representative's office will also launch an investigation into China's trade practices in the shipbuilding, maritime, and logistics sectors.

Critics of the proposed tariffs argue that they could backfire and lead to higher consumer prices and inflation. China has denied the accusation of overcapacity, deeming it "groundless," and has accused the U.S. of attempting to hinder global competition.

The Biden administration, however, maintains that these actions will not increase inflation but will safeguard American jobs and the steel industry. The president has been increasingly vocal about economic issues concerning China, aligning himself with unions and prioritizing the protection of domestic industries. Notably, Biden has retained most of the China tariffs imposed by his predecessor, Donald Trump.

The move to increase tariffs on China comes amidst the White House's controversial opposition to Japan's Nippon Steel's potential buyout of U.S. Steel. Although shareholders greenlit the deal, it faces strong opposition from unions and the Biden administration.

With polls indicating that Biden is trailing Trump in terms of handling the economy, the White House seeks to demonstrate its commitment to addressing economic concerns. The administration highlights the creation of nearly 800,000 manufacturing jobs and record-high construction employment during Biden's tenure.

While some attribute rising costs of doing business to the Biden administration, others, like union member Joe Padavan, support the president's stance. Padavan believes that tariffs could bring back jobs to the U.S., reducing the need for imports and benefiting American workers.

President Biden's call for tripling tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum reflects his administration's determination to address unfair trade practices and protect American industries. As the investigation into China's trade practices continues, the long-term impact of these potential tariffs remains uncertain.