John Whelan: Trade wars spell trouble for exporters like Ireland

There will be implications for the country as the Biden administration slaps heavy tariffs on a range of goods from China

The new measures affect $18bn (€16.6bn) of imports, including steel, aluminium, computer chips, solar cells, cranes, and medical products. File picture: David Creedon

The Biden administration has slapped heavy tariffs on a range of goods from China including electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar panels, as well as batteries. 

In an election year, the US administration has said the tariffs are necessary for it to protect American industries form what it claims to be "unfair" competition.