China Blasts U.S. Consideration of Additional Overcapacity Tariffs, Vows Countermeasures

▲ Chinese export containers

The Chinese government has pushed back against the United States' consideration of imposing an additional 7.5 percent tariff on Chinese products under the pretext of overcapacity, calling the move unilateralism and protectionism.

During a regular press briefing today, Chinese Ministry of Commerce Spokesperson He Yadong responded to a related question by stating, "The U.S. conducting a Section 301 trade investigation targeting 16 economies, including China, on the grounds of 'overcapacity' politicizes economic and trade issues."

"This is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism," the spokesperson added, noting that "China firmly opposes this."

"We will continue to closely monitor the U.S.'s subsequent actions and conduct a comprehensive assessment," the spokesperson emphasized, adding, "We will take all necessary countermeasures if needed."

Previously, Bloomberg reported on the 25th, citing sources, that the U.S. government is considering imposing an additional 7.5 percent so-called "overcapacity" tariff on Chinese imports.

Bloomberg analyzed that this measure is a way for President Donald Trump to revive protectionist policies without excessively escalating trade tensions following the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling unconstitutional regarding import tariffs.

(Photo: Getty Images)

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