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By Ginger Gibson

WASHINGTON, March 19 (Reuters) - Several large U.S. retailcompanies, including Wal-Mart Inc, Target Corp,Best Buy Co Inc and Macy's Inc, on Monday sentPresident Donald Trump a letter urging him not to impose massivetariffs on goods imported from China.

The Trump administration is said to be preparing tariffsagainst Chinese information technology, telecommunications andconsumer products in an attempt to force changes in Beijing'sintellectual property and investment practices. Washington couldimpose more than $60 billion in tariffs on goods ranging fromelectronics to apparel, footwear and toys.

"At the same time, we are concerned about the negativeimpact as you consider remedial actions under Section 301 of theTrade Act could have on America's working families," the letterstated. "Applying any additional broad-based tariff as part of aSection 301 action would worsen this inequity and punishAmerican working families with higher prices on household basicslike clothing, shoes, electronics, and home goods."

The Section 301 would allow Trump to impose unilateraltariffs on China in response to a conclusion by the U.S.government that the Chinese had violated intellectual proertyrules. The tariffs would not need approval from Congress.

The White House did not respond to a request for commentabout the letter.

The letter is the latest example of the growing divisionbetween the Trump administration and many in the businesscommunity over trade policy. On Sunday, a group of tradeassociations that represent most of the United States' largebusinesses sent a letter echoing concerns about the economicramifications of tariffs. Trade associations publicly pushingback include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National RetailFederation and the Information Technology Industry Council.

Sandy Kennedy, president of the Retail Industry LeadersAssociation, which organized Monday's letter, argued thattariffs would eliminate any benefit the recent tax overhaulprovided the economy.

"This is not American industries crying wolf," she said in astatement.

The letter was signed by 24 companies, which also includedAbercrombie & Fitch Co, American Eagle Outfitters Inc, Big Lots Inc, Chico’s FAS Inc, ColumbiaSportswear Co, Costco Wholesale Corp, DollarTree Inc, Gap Inc, Havertys Furniture Cos Inc, J.C. Penney Co Inc, Jo-Ann Stores Llc, Kohl'sCorp, Ikea North America Services Llc, Levi Strauss &Co, Qurate Retail Group, Sears Holdings Corp, TheMichaels Companies Inc, VF Corp, and WolverineWorld Wide Inc.

The letter asked the administration to work with companiesto find a solution.

"As you continue to investigate harmful technology andintellectual property practices, we ask that any remedycarefully consider the impact on consumer prices," the letterstated.

(Reporting by Ginger Gibson; Editing by Sandra Maler andJonathan Oatis)