More than 160 trade groups have written to President Trump, expressing concerns about his trade war with China. They want him to postpone tariff increases on Chinese imports that are scheduled for the rest of this year.
Trump plans to impose additional 5 percent tariffs on $300 billion worth of Chinese imports between September and December. This is an increase from the 10 percent tariffs that were set to be imposed. In some sectors, such as mattresses, the tariff rates are much higher.
Groups signing the letter included the American Chemistry Council, the Vinyl Institute and the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates.
The ACC also has expressed disquiet about the escalating trade tensions between the two countries.
"ACC and our members continue to believe that negotiation is more effective than intimidation and retaliation," it said in a statement. "If this tariff dispute becomes a war of attrition, it has the potential to last for years, only doing more harm than good—to both sides."
ACC added that U.S. chemical manufacturers deeply value the trade relationship with China, and believe it to be "critical" to the industry's expansion, and the wider domestic manufacturing sector.
"While we continue to support President Trump in his mission to hold China to account for its unfair practices, ACC and our members cannot support the means: Harmful tariffs on our products and our customers' products, ultimately paid for by consumers," the statement said. "Chemicals manufacturers urge the U.S. and China to return to the negotiating table and rescind these destructive tariffs."