According to news from the Ministry of Commerce's website on July 27th, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce answered questions from reporters regarding the final measures taken by the United States in relation to the "forced labor" 301 investigation.
Question: On July 23, Eastern US time, the U.S. Trade Representative Office issued final measures based on the 301 investigation findings regarding "not prohibiting the import of products involving forced labor." As a result, 60 economies, including China, were subject to 301 tariffs, with China being subject to a 12.5% 301 tariff. What is China's response to this?
tAnswer: We have taken note of the relevant situation. China has always opposed forced labor and has established a comprehensive system of labor laws and regulations. It resolutely prevents and combats forced labor. In contrast, the US has not only failed to approve joining the Forced Labor Convention of 1930, but also has long manipulated the issue of “forced labor”. This time, the US initiated an investigation under the pretext of “forced labor” and imposed unilateral tariffs. This is a typical example of unilateralism and protectionism. China firmly opposes such actions.
tWe have also noted that the US has repeatedly stated its intention to impose tariffs and import surcharges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which has been ruled invalid. In Sino-US economic and trade consultations, the US committed that the additional tariffs imposed on Chinese goods would not exceed 20%. Currently, the US is imposing an additional tariff of 12.5% on Chinese goods. China’s countermeasures against the first round of so-called fentanyl tariffs and equivalent tariffs imposed by the US remain in effect. We will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively evaluate any subsequent actions by the US, and reserve the right to take all necessary measures.
tThe Chinese side urges the US to correct its wrongful practices and completely abolish the relevant unilateral tariff measures. The Chinese side is willing to continue dialogue and negotiation with the US on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, in order to address our respective concerns. It is hoped that the US will move towards a similar approach as China, jointly maintain and implement the consensus reached in economic and trade consultations, continuously reduce the list of issues, expand the list of cooperation, and make more contributions to the establishment of constructive strategic stability between China and the US.
