Allegations against Chinese steelmakers are protectionism in disguise, says state media
People’s Daily dismisses claims by US company that Chinese rivals have engaged in price-fixing and theft of trade secrets
The Communist Party mouthpiece has accused an American steelmaker of protectionist tactics after it asked the US trade authority to ban Chinese rivals’ imports.
The row could have deep implications for the mainland’s steel sector, which has been expanding its overseas market amid an economic restructuring at home.
The US Steel Corporation, based in Pittsburgh, petitioned the US International Trade Commission this week to investigate claims that dozens of Chinese steelmakers and their distributors had allegedly engaged in price-fixing, theft of trade secrets and false labelling that allowed them to skirt trade duties.
People’s Daily said the move was an attempt to protect US steelmakers. “The request for an investigation looks reasonable, but the core is still trade protectionism,” the overseas edition said on Friday.
The intention to crack down on Chinese steel products is against market principals
“The intention to crack down on Chinese steel products is against market principles and the free-trade sprit – also, it only fits the interests of a small group of people in the United States.”