China's Ministry of Commerce announced two trade barrier investigations into US practices on Friday, described as reciprocal countermeasures to Washington's two Section 301 probes against China. The probes target US measures disrupting global supply chains and green product trade, potentially breaching WTO rules and bilateral agreements. They are set to conclude within six months, with a possible three-month extension.
China's Ministry of Commerce announced two trade barrier investigations on Friday targeting US practices that disrupt global industrial and supply chains and impede trade in green products, officials said. A ministry spokesperson called them "reciprocal countermeasures" to the United States' two new Section 301 probes against China and other economies, which followed a US Supreme Court ruling last month curtailing a broader tariff program.
The ministry stated that preliminary evidence suggests Washington has restricted or banned Chinese goods from its market, curbed exports of advanced technology products to China, limited two-way investment in critical sectors, slowed new energy project rollouts, and restricted cooperation on green product technologies. If confirmed, these would "seriously harm" Chinese companies' interests and may violate World Trade Organization rules and past bilateral agreements.
Under the Foreign Trade Law and Rules on Foreign Trade Barrier Investigations, the probes will conclude within six months, extendable by three months in exceptional cases. The ministry will proceed per laws and take measures based on findings to safeguard rights.
The day prior, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao raised "serious concerns" over the US probes in a meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer on the sidelines of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaounde, Cameroon. Wang urged strengthening mutually beneficial collaboration and avoiding destructive competition for stable bilateral ties.
Sean Stein, president of the US-China Business Council, said the two largest, most dynamic economies must work together effectively. A Chicago Council on Global Affairs survey last October found most US residents favor friendly engagement with China over higher tariffs. Liao Fan of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences warned of US policy erraticism, noting Beijing's countermeasures are ready.
