Ministry of Commerce responds to US raising tariffs on steel and aluminum: Urges US to stop generalizing and abusing the concept of national security.

On June 5th, the Ministry of Commerce held a routine press conference. Regarding the increase of tariffs from 25% to 50% on imported steel, aluminum, and their derivatives by the United States, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, He Yongqian, stated that China has repeatedly emphasized that the 232 tariffs are typical unilateralism and protectionism, and have long been ruled by the WTO dispute settlement mechanism as violating WTO rules. The United States' decision to once again raise tariffs on steel, aluminum, and their derivative products not only harms others but also harms oneself, does not help maintain industrial security, and will seriously disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains. The U.S. actions have been opposed by many countries. China urges the United States to respect economic laws, abandon zero-sum thinking, stop generalizing and misusing the concept of national security, and work with all parties to maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system, resolve concerns through equal dialogue, and jointly uphold the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. The transcript is as follows: He Yongqian: Hello, journalists: Good afternoon, welcome to the Ministry of Commerce routine press conference. Today, I have no information to report to you. Next, I am willing to answer any questions from journalists. Please ask your questions. 21st Century Business Herald reporter: We have noticed that in recent years, the Ministry of Commerce has been actively promoting economic and trade cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, with a focus on developing "Silk Road e-commerce," which has become an important driver for global e-commerce cooperation. On this basis, the Ministry of Commerce recently organized the "E-commerce Benefits Global" theme activity for 2025 in various regions. Can you please introduce the relevant situation? He Yongqian: In recent years, Chinese e-commerce has played a strong role in innovation, with new formats and large market size, actively promoting global e-commerce cooperation. "Looking for China for e-commerce" has become a consensus in the industry. So far, the partner countries of the Silk Road e-commerce have reached 35, creating a series of cooperative brands, establishing 120 national pavilions, and setting up 65 direct procurement bases in 19 countries. More than a hundred e-commerce "online lectures" have been held to promote global e-commerce cooperation effectively. To further promote the coordinated development of global e-commerce, advance the construction of an inclusive and sustainable economic globalization, in 2025, the Ministry of Commerce launched the "E-commerce Benefits Global" theme activity with the following characteristics: First, integrated promotion and concerted efforts. We have organized 18 regions and 8 major e-commerce platforms to focus on policy communication, industry docking, capacity building, and local cooperation, forming 40 list-based cooperation contents, inviting partner countries to "self-order" and intensively and efficiently carry out practical cooperation in the e-commerce field. Second, extensive response and precise docking. Since the launch of the "E-commerce Benefits Global" theme activity, the partner countries of the Silk Road e-commerce have actively responded and participated. For example, the international cooperation matchmaking conference of the Silk Road e-commerce in Zhengzhou, Henan, and the China-Central Asia roundtable on deepening cooperation in Silk Road e-commerce attracted representatives from 42 countries' e-commerce authorities and industry enterprises, with fruitful results. During the e-commerce working group meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Qingdao, 160 domestic and foreign enterprises conducted precise docking around special resources, innovative models, and digital platforms. Third, highlighting empowerment and significant effects. The ASEAN Special Session of the online lecture hall held in Guangxi praised the first establishment of overseas offline venues and training experiences, which were well-received by thousands of ASEAN students. The African Good Products Online Shopping Festival created more than 200 "explosive products," which were widely welcomed in the market. Qingdao, Guangxi, Hunan, and other places will assist Silk Road e-commerce partner countries in the six-member SCO, ASEAN, Africa, and other regions in setting up national pavilions of Wuxi Online Offline Communication Information Technology Co., Ltd. The "E-commerce Benefits Global" carrier is e-commerce, with a focus on inclusivity, serving global partners. In the next step, we will continue to expand the import of quality and characteristic products, assist in the digital transformation of industries, deepen cooperation in the e-commerce supply chain, and promote the practical results of various activities, jointly building and sharing a global e-commerce market. Thank you. Southern Metropolis Daily reporter: We have noticed that recently, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao visited Bangladesh and Sri Lanka and conducted a series of economic and trade activities. Can you please introduce the relevant situation? He Yongqian: Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are important economic and trade partners of China. In order to implement the important economic and trade cooperation consensus reached by the leaders of China, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and further promote the quality and upgrade of economic and trade relations between China, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, from May 28th to June 2nd, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao led a delegation to visit Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. During the visit, China held economic and trade joint committee meetings with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and organized China-Sri Lanka and China-Bangladesh trade and investment conferences, achieving a series of positive results. On June 6th, the State Council Information Office will hold a special press conference to introduce the relevant situation of China's economic and trade cooperation with South Asia and the 9th China-South Asia Expo. Please pay attention, media friends. Thank you. PHOENIX TV reporter: On June 3rd local time, the White House in the United States issued a statement stating that U.S. President Trump announced an increase in tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and their derivative products from 25% to 50%. What is the spokesperson's comment on this? He Yongqian: China has repeatedly emphasized that the 232 tariffs are typical unilateralism and protectionism, and have long been ruled by the WTO dispute settlement mechanism as violating WTO rules. The United States' decision to once again raise tariffs on steel, aluminum, and their derivative products not only harms others but also harms oneself, does not help maintain industrial security, and will seriously disrupt the stability of global industrial and supply chains. The U.S. actions have been opposed by many countries. China urges the United States to respect economic laws, abandon zero-sum thinking, stop generalizing and misusing the concept of national security, and work with all parties to maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system, resolving concerns through equal dialogue and jointly upholding the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. Thank you. RTHK reporter: The continuous discussion of the "zero kilometers second-hand car" in the market has attracted attention. I would like to know the Ministry of Commerce's views on the phenomenon of overheating in the automotive industry, and foreign media reports that the Ministry of Commerce has convened meetings with companies including BYD CompA meeting was held among Limited and other car companies. Can you confirm if the relevant news is true? If so, what message or request did the Ministry of Commerce express to the car companies?He Wenge: The automobile industry is a strategic and pillar industry of the national economy, and an important area for stabilizing growth and expanding consumption. In recent years, the Ministry of Commerce has deepened the implementation of policies such as trade-ins for old cars and pilot reforms in automobile circulation and consumption, continuously unleashing the potential of automobile consumption and cultivating new points of consumption growth. Recently, the relevant departments of the Ministry of Commerce have organized industry associations, research institutions, and related enterprises to hold discussions, listen to opinions and suggestions, and further study how to improve the work related to automobile circulation and consumption. Next, the Ministry of Commerce will work together with relevant departments to continue to strengthen tracking research of the automobile consumption market and policy guidance, promote the removal of barriers and obstacles in automobile circulation and consumption, and better meet the diverse and personalized consumption needs of residents. In response to the current phenomenon of "overlapping" competition in the automobile industry, the Ministry of Commerce will actively cooperate with relevant departments, strengthen comprehensive rectification and compliance guidance, maintain a fair competitive market order, and promote the healthy development of the industry. Thank you. Fujian Southeast TV reporter: The U.S. Trade Representative's Office announced on June 1 that it is extending the exemption period in the 301 investigation of China's practices, policies, and behaviors related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. The exemption period was originally set to expire on May 31, 2025, but has now been extended to August 31, 2025. What is the Ministry of Commerce's comment on this? He Wenge: China's opposition to the U.S. 301 tariffs is clear and consistent. The U.S. 301 tariff measures are typical examples of unilateralism and trade protectionism. Previously, a WTO panel ruled that the U.S. 301 tariff measures violated WTO rules. The ultimate cost of the U.S. 301 tariff measures is borne by American companies and consumers, making it a typical case of "hurting others without benefiting oneself." We urge the U.S. to completely lift various restrictions on China, including the 301 tariffs, and work with China to uphold the spirit of the Geneva trade talks consensus, and promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations. Thank you. Financial Times reporter: Many companies from various countries have started complaining that China's export permits for rare earths are too slow, leading to production shutdowns. Some Japanese and European companies have already halted production. How does China view this issue? Secondly, the U.S. recently stopped exporting ethylene to China, and has taken other measures in retaliation for China's rare earth export controls. How does China view this issue? He Wenge: Regarding your first question, rare earths and other related items have obvious dual-use properties, and it is common international practice to control their exports. The Chinese government reviews export permit applications for dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations, and will approve those that meet the requirements to facilitate compliant trade. Regarding your second question, after the issuance of the "Joint Statement on China-U.S. Geneva Economic and Trade Talks" on May 12, China, in a responsible manner, has taken the obligations seriously, and actively upheld the consensus reached in Geneva. In contrast, the U.S. has taken a series of restrictive measures against China after the Geneva talks, severely undermining the existing consensus and seriously damaging China's legitimate rights and interests. China strongly opposes and is dissatisfied with this, and demands that the U.S. immediately stop. If the U.S. continues to harm China's interests, China will take strong measures to defend its legitimate rights and interests. Thank you. This article was compiled from the official website of the Ministry of Commerce; GMTEight Editor: Chen Xiaoyi.