China criticizes U.S. tariff hike on steel and aluminum

China has condemned the U.S. decision to reinstate and increase tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, calling it a unilateral and protectionist move.

Speaking on Thursday, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said the decision disregards global opposition and violates World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. “The WTO ruled in 2022 that these tariffs were unlawful, yet the U.S. has not only maintained them but also raised duties on aluminum products,” she said.

China urged the U.S. to abandon its “zero-sum mentality” and return to fair trade practices, warning that the move will disrupt global supply chains and undermine the multilateral trading system.

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