- China Urges U.S. to Halt Copper Tariff Investigation.
- Trump’s Move Could Disrupt Global Trade Stability.
- China Rejects Allegations of Unfair Competition.
China urged the United States to desist from investigating whether new tariffs can be imposed on copper imports, threatening to retaliate if Chinese companies are hurt, reports Reuters.
Concerns Over Global Trade Stability
President Donald Trump ordered the Commerce Department to initiate a fresh national security investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962—the same legislation utilized to impose tariffs on steel and aluminium in his first term at 25%.
Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yadong criticized the move, stating: “This will further undermine the rules-based multilateral trading system and disrupt the stability of global industrial supply chains.”
China Denies Allegations of Unfair Competition
The U.S. probe claims that China is using subsidies and excess capacity to undermine competition in the copper market. However, He Yadong dismissed these claims, saying: “The allegation that China is using subsidies and excess capacity to undermine competition is completely groundless.”
U.S. Plans to Revive Local Copper Output
Trump’s action is part of a wider drive to re-ignite U.S. copper output, considering how crucial the metal is to electric vehicles, weapons systems, the power grid, and consumer appliances.
China Vows Retaliation if Tariffs Are Imposed
China has warned of countermeasures if the U.S. moves forward with tariffs, with He Yadong stating: “We urge the U.S. side to withdraw its investigation as soon as possible.” “If the U.S. insists on imposing tariffs and other restrictive measures, China will resolutely take the required steps to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.” China did not specify what retaliatory measures it might take.
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Source: Reuters
