China launches investigation into US trade practices

China has launched two investigations into US trade practices, alleging that US restrictions have disrupted global supply chains and trade in renewable energy products, after the Trump administration launched an investigation earlier this month into tariffs on many of its major trading partners.

In a statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce said the investigation into trade barriers began on Friday and is expected to be completed within six months.

The ministry stated that preliminary data indicates that the US has restricted the entry of Chinese products into the US market, banned high-tech exports to China, and prohibited bilateral investment in key sectors.

In a separate statement, the ministry said it would launch an investigation into US actions hindering trade in renewable energy products. It alleges that the US has restricted exports of such products from China to the US, slowed the introduction of new energy products, and prohibited cooperation on renewable energy technologies.

In both statements, the ministry noted that such practices could seriously harm the trade interests of Chinese companies, and some of these measures could violate World Trade Organization rules and other economic and trade agreements.

This move comes after the US launched new investigations in early March into tariffs under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows tariffs to be imposed against countries that discriminate against American companies or trade. The tariffs imposed under Section 301 are intended to replace the temporary 10% global duties the Trump administration imposed last month after the Supreme Court ruled many of the tariffs imposed last year illegal.

China’s Ministry of Commerce called the US investigation an act of unilateral interference and called on Washington to correct what it called unfair practices, stating that China reserves the right to take necessary measures to protect its interests.

Last week, trade talks between US and Chinese officials took place in France, led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, US Trade Representative Jamison Greer, and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that the talks were “frank, in-depth, and constructive” and contributed to strengthening bilateral relations.

President Trump’s visit to China was scheduled for May, but was postponed earlier this month due to the conflict in the Middle East.

Tags: China, USA, duties