Srilanka, April 21 -- The Sri Lanka - China Friendship Association (SLCFA) yesterday said it is deeply concerned about the heavy tariffs recently introduced by the United States on Chinese goods.

Issuing a statement the Association said, "One of the most worrying actions is the US decision to charge a fee of US$ 50 per net ton on ships built in China, starting from mid-October. These steps, which are said to support the US shipbuilding industry, will create serious problems for global trade and the world economy.

"These actions do not only affect China - they impact the entire world. They will increase the cost of shipping, disturb the flow of goods between countries, and make inflation worse. This will hurt both consumers and business...