US industries, media oppose new tariffs on Chinese tires

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Both industry insiders and media in the United States are criticizing the Obama administration's new tariffs on Chinese-made tires. The American Apparel and Footwear Association said in a statement on Monday the punitive measures may trigger inquiries about other imported goods, including textile and apparel products.

The association says this will drag the US economy into peril. It's calling on the government to follow through on G8 commitments to not erect protectionist barriers.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that low price tires make up the bulk of tires China exports to the US. The new tariffs will hit US consumers who buy such tires the hardest. The paper also says the US tire industry will suffer. It predicts that in the coming 60 days, prices of low-end tires in the US market will increase between 20 to 30 percent.