STORY: U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese products misguided approach: expert
SHOOTING TIME: May 16, 2024
DATELINE: May 17, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:32
LOCATION: DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania
CATEGORY: POLITICS/ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Chinese EVs
2. SOUNDBITE (English): BENJAMIN MGANA, Chief Editor of Foreign News at The Guardian, Tanzania
3. various of street views in U.S.

STORYLINE:
On Tuesday, the United States announced new tariffs on a variety of imports from China, including EVs, lithium batteries, and medical supplies.

Tariffs on Chinese EVs jumped from 25 percent to a staggering 100 percent.

An expert based in Tanzania criticized the U.S. decision, warning of its misguided nature and potential adverse repercussions.

SOUNDBITE (English): BENJAMIN MGANA, Chief Editor of Foreign News at The Guardian, Tanzania
"I think it is a misguided approach that could have several negative repercussions.
Firstly, these tariffs will likely lead to higher costs for American consumers and businesses. Lithium batteries and electric vehicles are critical components in the transition to clean energy, and increased costs could slow down the adoption of these technologies, hampering efforts to combat climate change.
Secondly, the medical services sector is crucial for public health. Increasing tariffs on these products could lead to higher healthcare costs and limited access to essential medical equipment, affecting patient care and overall health outcomes.
Moreover, these tariffs could escalate trade tensions between the United States and China, even leading to a potential trade war that would disrupt global supply chains and economic stability. The adverse effects on consumers, the environment, and international relations suggest that this policy could ultimately do more harm than good."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
(XHTV)