THE recent increase in the tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese imports, particularly on electric vehicles (EVs), lithium batteries and semiconductors, has sparked criticism globally. Not only did the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) spokesman criticize the move, saying it 'can distort trade and investment, and fragment supply chains,' so did several US media, including The Washington Post, saying the new tariffs raise costs for companies using green energy devices and make EVs less affordable for US consumers.

'Forcing consumers, via tariffs, to subsidize domestic clean energy companies that are far from the cutting edge of technology is an economic and environmental loser,' The Washington Post said. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis also said the new tariffs were 'a major setback for clean energy.'