China's Ministry of Commerce has officially urged the United States to withdraw its Section 232 investigation into copper imports. The ministry labeled the US probe as a unilateral and protectionist measure, arguing that the allegations of China using subsidies and excess capacity to distort market competition are baseless.
He Yadong, spokesperson for the ministry, addressed the issue during a press conference, emphasizing that the US actions undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system and threaten the stability of global production and supply chains. He highlighted that China is a net importer of refined copper and exports only a minimal amount of copper products.
The spokesperson also referenced a 2022 World Trade Organization (WTO) expert panel's ruling, which stated that the US Section 232 tariff measures violate WTO rules. In response to ongoing consultations between the two countries' trade departments, He Yadong reiterated China's firm opposition to the US unilateral tariff actions and expressed willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue and consultation.
Furthermore, He warned that if the United States persists in imposing additional tariffs or restrictive measures, China will take resolute measures to protect its legitimate rights and interests.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
