U.S.-based global tech giants Dell, HP, Intel and Microsoft have told the U.S. government they oppose proposed additional tariffs on Chinese laptops and tablet devices, according to joint comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Monday.

The Trump administration initially levied a 10% punitive tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports last September, with plans to boost that to 25% this year if a trade deal couldn't be reached. Earlier in May, as part of the Trump administration's decision to carry through with the threatened increase, USTR requested public comments on inclusion of some innovation-related items, to curb China’s unfair intellectual property practices.

The companies believed the proposed tariffs would hinder U.S. technology companies’ competitiveness and leadership in the global marketplace, as moving out of China, if needed, will jeopardize their existing supply chain, and thus affect effort and financing available for innovation.

Since the previous trade talks faltered, business groups in the U.S. have been urging the Trump administration to ease the tariff fights, citing damage to businesses and households.

Contact reporter Zhao Runhua (runhuazhao@caixin.com)