China's Ministry of Commerce Responds to U.S. Tariff Increases on Steel and Aluminum

On the evening of February 10 (U.S. Eastern Time), the U.S. government announced an adjustment to import tariffs on steel and aluminum, reinstating Section 232 tariffs on global trade partners and further increasing import duties on aluminum products.

At a regular press conference on February 13, He Yongqian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, responded by stating that as early as 2022, a World Trade Organization (WTO) expert panel had ruled that the U.S. Section 232 tariff measures violated WTO rules. However, the U.S. has not only maintained these tariffs but has also raised duties on aluminum products, severely harming the interests of various countries, undermining the rules-based multilateral trade system, and disrupting global supply chains.

“The U.S. approach is a typical example of unilateralism and protectionism. Many countries have explicitly voiced their opposition, and there is also significant opposition within the United States,” He emphasized. He urged the U.S. to abandon its zero-sum mentality, correct its wrongful actions, return to the proper track of the multilateral trade system, and work with other nations to resolve trade concerns through equal consultations.

On February 4, China's "Unreliable Entity List" working mechanism added U.S. companies PVH Group and Illumina to the list. At the press conference, media inquired about the latest developments regarding this matter.

He stated that, according to Article 10 of the *Regulations on the Unreliable Entity List*, the working mechanism may decide to impose one or more measures on foreign entities listed, depending on actual circumstances.

“China has always handled the Unreliable Entity List prudently, targeting only a very small number of foreign entities that disrupt market rules and violate Chinese laws. Foreign businesses that operate with integrity and comply with the law have nothing to worry about,” He said. He reiterated that the Chinese government remains committed to welcoming enterprises from around the world to invest and develop in China, providing a stable, fair, and predictable business environment for law-abiding foreign companies.

Additionally, regarding China's WTO dispute settlement case against the U.S. over its unilateral tariff increases on February 1, He stated that the U.S. actions violate WTO rules, and China will proceed with the case in accordance with WTO procedures and regulations.