White House expects China to cut car tariffs

White House officials informed automakers after a U.S.-China trade call that the Trump administration believes China will cut tariffs on U.S. autos to 15 percent from the current 40 percent, an auto executive stated on Tuesday after being briefed on the earlier evening’s call.

The executive informed Reuters the United States had not received any official documentation of China’s move. The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that Chinese Vice Premier Liu He told U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin that China would slash autos tariffs to 15 percent.

China increased its tariffs on American autos and parts to 40 percent previously this year after the U.S. increased its tariffs on Chinese vehicles and parts to 27.5 percent.