US-China Trade Tensions Escalate: Commerce Ministry Responds to Latest Tariff Hike
Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson’s Remarks on the US’s Final Measures to Increase Some Section 301 Tariffs on China
On September 13, U.S. time, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a notice on the final measures of the 301 tariffs on China, announcing that the 301 tariffs on some Chinese goods will be increased. China is strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it.
China has lodged solemn representations with the United States on the Section 301 tariff issue on many occasions. The WTO has long ruled that the Section 301 tariff violates WTO rules. Instead of correcting the situation, the United States has further increased tariffs on China, which is a mistake on top of a mistake. The Section 301 tariff measures of the United States are typical unilateralism and protectionism.
These measures not only seriously undermine the international trade order and the security and stability of the global industrial chain and supply chain, but also fail to solve its own trade deficit and industrial competitiveness problems. They also push up the prices of imported goods from the United States, and the costs are ultimately borne by American companies and consumers.
China’s latest “Report on the Implementation of WTO Rules and Obligations by the United States” points out that the United States is a “disruptor of the global industrial chain and supply chain”, and once again expresses serious concern about the United States’ abuse of the “Section 301”.
Earlier, the Office of the United States Trade Representative solicited public comments on the results of the tariff review. Most opinions opposed the imposition of tariffs or requested the expansion of tariff exemptions, which shows that the 301 tariffs on China are unpopular. The United States should immediately correct its wrong practices and cancel all tariffs on China.
China will take necessary measures to resolutely defend the interests of Chinese companies.