China slams Trump for raising import duties on Chinese goods
US president has increased tariffs on solar power components and washing machines, saying China is using unfair trade practices to undercut US manufacturers
China on Tuesday criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to raise import duties on solar power components and washing machines as an abuse of trade remedies.
Trump’s action could threaten the international trading system, the Commerce Ministry said in a statement. It repeated criticism that Washington is improperly responding to trade complaints under US law instead of through the World Trade Organisation.
Trump acted on a recommendation by the US International Trade Commission to limit the impact on American manufacturers from a flood of lower-cost imports.
“The US side once again abused its trade remedy measures,” the commerce ministry statement said. “China expresses its strong dissatisfaction with this.”
Chinese officials have repeatedly accused Trump of jeopardising international trade regulation by imposing penalties under US law instead of pursuing a WTO complaint.
“China hopes the United States will exercise restraint in using trade restrictions and compliance with multilateral trade rules and will play a positive role in promoting the world economy,” the statement said.