Washington (AFP)

Punitive tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imports, mainly from China, and retaliation against US goods threaten activity and nearly 1.5 million jobs in the United States, according to a study released Tuesday.

According to the authors of this study conducted for the port of Los Angeles, California, the largest port in the United States, imports and exports earmarked represent $ 186 billion annually, in freight value and based on data from 2018 .

The survey includes additional tariffs on more than $ 360 billion of Chinese goods already in effect, as well as those that could be imposed on December 15 to some $ 160 billion worth of Chinese goods - including iPhones-- have not yet been overtaxed.

So far, President Donald Trump and his administration have been hammering home the fact that the trade war had no impact on the US economy.

In September, shortly after a new wave of punitive tariffs, the US Treasury Secretary himself had said he did not see "for the moment sign of impact on the United States."

Economists agree, however, that US economic growth is slowing due in part to the uncertainty surrounding the trade war, which discourages investors.

"All urban, suburban and rural areas of our country benefit from imports and exports passing through the ports of San Pedro Bay," said Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.

The freight passing through the California port is estimated at more than $ 380 billion and economic activity generates more than three million US jobs, a statement said.

According to Mr Seroka, some regions and industries already feel "the damage to jobs, to income".

The study shows that tariffs imposed since March 2018 could result in additional costs of $ 31 billion to $ 35 billion, which are borne by consumers and US manufacturers in need of imported raw materials and certain components.

While the majority of tariffs target Chinese products, the report's authors point out that China is the main source of supply, accounting for "54% of imports".

Donald Trump announced last month a tentative trade agreement with China, which has yet to be signed.

The report released on Tuesday finally shows that the most vulnerable agricultural states include Republican strongholds like Kansas, Texas and Louisiana, as well as more contested states such as Ohio and Arizona.

© 2019 AFP