Over the weekend President Trump released a series of tweets that suggested tariffs against China would be increased. According to reports, the Chinese were starting to back away from some of the terms of an agreement. China even threatened to not send delegates to Washington this week, but they have since backed off the threat and will still send the delegation.
United States Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer says the United States is not backing down on its demands.
President Trump has support from Democrats including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who are asking the President to stand tough. Lighthizer is still hopeful an agreement can still be reached and considers the delegation?s arrival as a positive sign.
Enforcement is still a key concern. China?s track record on trade compliance is not great and President Trump wants to keep the options of tariffs as a leverage tool to enforce compliance.
