Trump makes first big trade move with tariffs aimed at Asia

WASHINGTON/NEWYORK (Jan 23): President Donald Trump slapped tariffs on imported solar panels and washing machines, his first major trade move after repeated threats to crack down on what he sees as unfair foreign competition.

The US will impose new duties of as much as 30% on foreign-made solar equipment, the US Trade Representative’s office said Monday. The president, who took office a year ago, also approved tariffs starting as high as 50% on imported washing machines, according to USTR.

The moves come as Trump prepares to travel to Davos for the World Economic Forum, where the world’s business and political elite are meeting to discuss topics including the backlash against globalization. The new tariffs will add teeth to the president’s “America First” foreign policy after months of threatening to get tough on what Trump sees as the unfair trade practices of nations such as China and South Korea.

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