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China’s Ministry of Commerce has called the recent decision by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to raise tariffs on Chinese solar components, batteries, semiconductors, steel and electric vehicles “typical unilateralism and protectionism.” It added that the tariff hike will hurt American businesses and consumers.
Chinas Ministry of Commerce has urged the United States to reverse its decision to expand tariffs on Chinese goods.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative confirmed plans to raise tariffs on Chinese batteries and steel to 25% , semiconductors to 50%, and electric vehicle imports from China to 100% . Most of these tariffs will take effect on September 27.
The White House first proposed the tariffs in May during a review under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act. In a statement over the weekend, the Commerce Department expressed opposition to the measures.
“The US 301 tariff measures are typical unilateralism and protectionism,” the ministry said. “Not only do they seriously undermine the international trade order and the security and stability of the global industrial and supply chain, but they also fail to solve its own problems of trade deficit and industrial competitiveness. In addition, they drive up the prices of US imported products, with the costs ultimately borne by US enterprises and consumers.”
It said the majority of public comments received by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on the measures “opposed the imposition of tariffs or called for the expansion of tariff exemptions.” The ministry added that China “will take necessary measures to resolutely defend the interests of Chinese enterprises.”
The Canadian government is currently considering imposing a surcharge on solar products, batteries and battery parts, semiconductors and critical minerals from Chinese producers, after recently imposing a 100% surcharge on electric vehicles made in China and a 25% surcharge on imports of steel and aluminum products from China. |
