Washington's trade policy fails basic math

Editor's note: With the US slapping 125 percent additional tariffs on Chinese products and China taking countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, it will ultimately become clear that the tariff war will not benefit the US no matter the economy or narcotics control. Three experts share their views on the issue with China Daily.

US President Donald Trump has increased additional tariffs on Chinese goods up to 125 percent, with the total rate to 145 percent, while China has taken countermeasures including additional 125 percent duties on American imports.

The US' policy shift reflects a deeper abandonment of strategic tradecraft. The new tariff regime is not based on credible economic modeling, enforcement of fair trade rules, or reciprocity. Instead, it is built on a formula that converts bilateral trade deficits into tariff percentages. The logic is: the bigger the deficit, the bigger the punishment.