Hawley Bill Would Hike Tariffs on Chinese Solar, Wind and Batteries

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., recently introduced a bill that would require the president to hike tariffs on Chinese battery components, solar energy components and wind energy components by 25%. Those goods are currently subject to 25% Section 301 tariffs. The bill also would require that tariff rate to rise by 5 percentage points each year, for five years, until it reaches 50%.

It also would require the U.S. trade representative to submit a report to Congress about how much China has subsidized its battery, solar energy and wind energy sectors over the last 15 years.

He argues that President Joe Biden's green transition initiatives make the U.S. more dependent on China. “We can’t afford energy policies that enrich our greatest adversary at the expense of American workers here at home. It’s time to declare our energy independence from China -- and we can start by raising tariffs on China's green energy sector," he said.