China hits back at US and EU as trade rows deepen
China has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of commonly used plastic from the US, EU, Taiwan, and Japan.
The Ministry of Commerce announced that imports of polyoxymethylene copolymer, utilized in electronics and automobiles, are being scrutinized. This move signals China’s intent to retaliate in its ongoing trade conflicts with the US and Europe.
This announcement comes amid escalating trade disputes between China, the US, and the EU in recent months.
Just days ago, Washington significantly raised tariffs on Chinese goods, including electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, and computer chips.
These new US measures build upon the extensive border taxes imposed on Chinese goods during the Trump administration.
In response, China’s commerce ministry warned that these actions would “severely affect the atmosphere for bilateral cooperation” and condemned the perceived politicization of economic issues.
Prior to the White House’s anticipated announcement, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson stated that China would “take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.”
On a related note, China imposed sanctions on three American defense firms—General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, General Dynamics Land Systems, and Boeing Defense, Space & Security—over their weapons sales to Taiwan, according to state media.
The commerce ministry declared that these companies are now barred from conducting “import and export” business in China, and their senior executives are prohibited from entering, working, or living in the country.
Concurrently, Europe has launched several investigations into Chinese imports.
On Friday, the EU said it would launch an investigation into Chinese tinplate steel.
And last month, Brussels said it was probing two Chinese solar panel makers, that it says benefit from government subsidies.
The European Commission (EC), which oversees the EU’s trade policies, has also given itself a 4 July deadline to decide whether to impose measures against imports of Chinese-made EVs.