MOFCOM Spokesperson's Response to Questions on the Final Measures of the U.S. Section 301 Investigation into "Forced Labor"
Complete. Here is the key summaryIn response to the U.S. imposition of an additional 12.5% Section 301 tariff on China under the pretext of "forced labor," China firmly opposes this move, labeling it as an act of unilateralism and Protectionism. China urges the U.S. to correct its mistakes and revoke the relevant tariffs, while reserving the right to take necessary countermeasures. China is willing to engage in dialogue and consultations with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect
Q: On July 23 (U.S. Eastern Time), the Office of the United States Trade Representative released final measures based on the results of the Section 301 investigation into the "non-prohibition of imports of products made with forced labor." These measures impose Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, including China, with an additional 12.5% Section 301 tariff on Chinese goods. What is China's response to this?
A: We have taken note of the relevant developments. China has consistently opposed forced labor, established a comprehensive system of labor laws and regulations, and resolutely prevented and cracked down on forced labor practices. In contrast, the U.S. side has not only failed to ratify and accede to the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, but has also long manipulated the "forced labor" issue. By initiating a Section 301 investigation and imposing unilateral tariffs under the pretext of "forced labor" this time, the U.S. is engaging in typical unilateralism and Protectionism, which China firmly opposes.
We have also noted that the U.S. side has repeatedly stated its intention to use Section 301 tariffs to replace the tariffs and the 122 import surcharges under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which have been ruled invalid. During the China-U.S. economic and trade consultations, the U.S. side explicitly promised that the additional substitute tariffs on Chinese goods would not exceed 20%. Currently, the additional substitute tariff imposed by the U.S. on Chinese goods stands at 12.5%, and China's countermeasures against the first round of so-called fentanyl-related tariffs and reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. remain in effect. We will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively assess subsequent U.S. actions, while reserving the right to take all necessary measures.
China urges the U.S. side to correct its erroneous practices and completely revoke the relevant unilateral tariff measures. China is willing to continue dialogue and consultations with the U.S. on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, to address each other's concerns. We hope that the U.S. side will meet China halfway, jointly maintain and implement the consensus reached in economic and trade consultations, continuously shrink the list of issues and expand the list of cooperation, thereby making greater contributions to building a constructive and strategically stable relationship between China and the United States. (Source: Ministry of Commerce website)
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