President Joe Biden confirmed May 13 that the U.S. is increasing tariffs on Chinese-made electric cars, solar panels, steel and other goods.

BBC News reports that the White House said the measures, which include a 100% border tax on electric cars from China, were a response to unfair policies, and were intended to protect U.S. jobs. The tariffs would hit an estimated $18 billion worth of imports.

China’s Foreign Ministry said the tariffs imposed by the previous U.S. administration “seriously disrupted” economic and trade exchanges between the two countries. It called on Washington to cancel the restrictions, and added that China will take steps to defend its rights and interests.

They follow months of criticism by former President Donald Trump, who is running for the White House against Biden and has argued his rival's support for electric cars would "kill" the U.S. car industry.

As well as a rise from 25% to 100% on electric vehicle tariffs, levies on solar cells would go up from 25% to 50%.

Tariff rates on certain steel and aluminum products will more than triple to 25%, up from 7.5% or less.