US Calls China’s Tariffs on American Autos ‘Egregious’

U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer speaks at the 9th China Business Conference at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington on May 1, 2018. Three days before a U.S.-China summit, Lighthizer complained in a statement on Nov. 28 that Beijing is imposing "egregious" taxes on American-made cars. Cliff Owen/AP

WASHINGTON—Three days before a U.S.-China summit, the top U.S. trade official is blasting Beijing for imposing “egregious” taxes on American-made cars.

In a statement on Nov. 28, U.S. Trade Rep. Robert Lighthizer complained that China slaps 40 percent tariffs on U.S. auto imports—more than the 15 percent tariffs it imposes on other countries and the 27.5 percent U.S. tax on Chinese auto imports.