Retaliation likely in the form of intellectual property rights
Politico reports that the Trump administration will open an investigation into China for abuses of intellectual property rights under Section 301. If successful, the US could unilaterally impose duties.
The White House has been divided on China but found a sweet spot on IP violations.
The report said Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with China regarding trade practices. Separate from this investigation, expected steel duties against China and others still haven't materialized, but remain pending.
With NAFTA negotiations set to begin in the middle of the month, August could shape up to be a month that's all about trade and trade worries.
