President Biden has continued many of the trade and industrial policies set during the Trump administration, including maintaining Trump’s “China tariffs” and adding Buy America requirements to legislation. This is seen as both wise policy and good politics, as voters have a negative view of China and these policies help create jobs nationwide. The question now is whether Vice President Kamala Harris would continue these policies.
Harris has a limited record on global trade, having voted against the USMCA due to environmental concerns and opposing the Trans-Pacific Partnership for similar reasons. With U.S.-China relations a critical issue, the next administration will need to address issues such as job losses to China and illegal trans-shipment of exports. Mexico is also violating agreements and allowing Chinese factories near the U.S. border to evade tariffs.
The U.S. faces challenges in areas such as solar panels, electric vehicles, and batteries, with the administration increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to protect American manufacturers. However, there are concerns about Chinese manipulation of the solar market and the need to strengthen trade agreements like the USMCA to protect American manufacturers.
Studies have shown that recent tariffs have strengthened the U.S. economy and led to reshoring in certain industries. To create a pro-America trade and economic agenda, Harris should pledge to increase overall tariffs and use tax credits more broadly to promote critical production. The next administration will need to address these challenges and protect American workers in global trade.
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