China has urged the United States to immediately correct its erroneous actions and lift all additional tariffs on Chinese goods, warning that the country will take necessary measures to firmly protect the interests of its companies, said the Ministry of Commerce on Saturday.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced the final modifications concerning the statutory review of the tariff actions in the Section 301 investigation of the People's Republic of China's Acts on Friday, announcing an increase in tariffs on certain Chinese products.
China has repeatedly raised serious concerns with the U.S. regarding the Section 301 tariffs. The World Trade Organization has long ruled that these tariffs violate WTO rules, yet the U.S. has not only failed to rectify the situation but has also further raised tariffs on Chinese products, said a spokesperson of the ministry in an online statement.
The official said that the Section 301 tariffs are a classic example of unilateralism and protectionism.
They not only severely disrupt international trade order and jeopardize the stability of global supply chains but also fail to address the U.S.' own trade deficit and industrial competitiveness issues. These tariffs have raised the prices of imported goods in the U.S., with the costs ultimately borne by U.S. businesses and consumers, said the statement.
Previously, the USTR sought public comments on the tariff review, with the majority of responses opposing the tariffs or calling for an expansion of tariff exemptions. This reflects the unpopularity of the Section 301 tariffs on Chinese products, according to the ministry.