Ministry of Commerce: Will advance the investigation into barriers against the U.S. in accordance with relevant regulations and take appropriate measures based on the investigation results.

On March 27, People’s Financial News reported that a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding the initiation of two trade barrier investigations against the U.S.

Question: We noticed that the Ministry of Commerce published two announcements to initiate investigations into U.S. measures and practices related to trade barriers. Can you provide details on this?

Answer: On March 12, Beijing time, the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office initiated a Section 301 investigation against China and 16 other economies on the grounds of “overcapacity.” On March 13, it initiated another Section 301 investigation against China and 60 other economies on the grounds of “not effectively prohibiting the import of products made with forced labor.” China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this.

In order to firmly safeguard the interests of relevant Chinese industries, based on the relevant provisions of the “Foreign Trade Law of the People’s Republic of China” and the “Rules on the Investigation of Trade Barriers,” the Ministry of Commerce announced on March 27 the initiation of two trade barrier investigations in response to the two U.S. Section 301 investigations against China. These investigations are aimed at the U.S. practices and measures that undermine the global production and supply chain and those that hinder the trade of green products.

Going forward, the Ministry of Commerce will advance the investigation into U.S. trade barriers according to the relevant provisions of the “Foreign Trade Law” and the “Rules on the Investigation of Trade Barriers,” and will take corresponding measures based on the investigation results to resolutely defend its legitimate rights and interests.