President Donald Trump’s bold action on tariffs opened the door to a long-overdue reckoning in U.S. trade policy. For the first time in a generation, we have a real opportunity to reset global trade rules in a way that favors American workers, strengthens national security, and restores our industrial base.
For decades, U.S. and other world leaders made a dangerous mistake: They believed that engaging economically with China would open the door to political reform and a more responsible China. Instead, the Chinese Communist Party took advantage of our goodwill, undermined American workers, hollowed out our industrial base, and used trade as a strategic weapon against us and our allies.
Now, under Trump’s leadership, we are entering a new phase. As the administration marks its first 100 days, it’s already delivering on key promises regarding fighting the CCP. We’re encouraged by new reports that the administration is considering a tiered tariff structure on Chinese imports — 35% for non-sensitive goods and over 100% for strategic sectors. This approach reflects a growing consensus and closely mirrors what our committee proposed last year: China is not a normal trading partner and should no longer be treated like one.
But tariffs imposed through executive action can be reversed with the stroke of a pen. That’s why we need durable, bipartisan legislative solutions. Congress must act to provide businesses with the certainty they need to invest, expand, and compete. It’s time to lock in a trade policy that puts America first, now and for the long term.
That’s the goal of the Restoring Trade Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation I introduced with Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY). The bill ends China’s “most favored nation” status and creates a separate tariff column specifically for China because nations that don’t play by the rules shouldn’t enjoy the benefits of free trade. Similar to what is reportedly under consideration at the White House, my legislation establishes a clear, strategic framework: tariffs of up to 100% on critical sectors such as semiconductors and defense technology and 35% on less sensitive goods. The bill also ensures that revenue from these tariffs is reinvested in America by supporting farmers affected by retaliation, rebuilding industry, and strengthening our national defense, especially for a potential Taiwan scenario.
This isn’t about protectionism. It’s about fair trade earned through transparency, reciprocity, and respect for international rules. China has repeatedly violated those principles, and continuing to grant it preferential treatment no longer makes sense.
Instead, we should be building a new framework for global trade — one centered on free trade with free nations. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement offers a strong foundation and a useful blueprint. It enforces high standards for labor rights, intellectual property, and supply chain integrity. We should build on this model and invite like-minded allies into an expanded trade coalition that rewards democratic norms and rules-based economies.
At the same time, we must preserve strong defenses against economic coercion: targeted tariffs, export controls, and investment restrictions — especially when dealing with authoritarian regimes that exploit openness for strategic gain.
This strategy would do what the CCP fears most: reduce global reliance on China while strengthening alliances with nations that respect the rules. Principled economic leadership ensures that trade strengthens national security rather than undermines it.
The need for urgency is real. China has shown time and again that it will weaponize trade dependencies to advance its geopolitical agenda. If conflict breaks out, particularly over Taiwan, Beijing could immediately cut off critical supplies. That risk is no longer theoretical. It’s imminent.
The good news? America is no longer turning a blind eye. Companies are shifting supply chains out of China. Markets are demanding predictability. And the Trump administration has reignited the trade conversation in a way that demonstrates strength, not surrender.
Now, Congress must follow through.
BESSENT UNAWARE OF ANY TRADE TALKS BETWEEN TRUMP AND XI
Let’s end China’s trade privileges. Let’s codify appropriate tariffs into law. And let’s build a trade system where free trade is earned, not assumed, by free nations that follow the rules.
This is not about retreating from the world. It’s about shaping it. The choice is clear: Protect American workers, secure our supply chains, and reclaim our economic independence. Let’s act before the window closes.
John Moolenaar represents Michigan’s Second Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives and is chairman of the House Select Committee on China.