China's Commerce Ministry has responded to the final measures released by the United States regarding a Section 301 investigation into "forced labor," stating that Beijing will closely monitor and comprehensively assess subsequent US actions while reserving the right to take all necessary measures.

According to a spokesperson for the ministry, on July 23, Eastern Time, the Office of the United States Trade Representative issued final measures based on the findings of the 301 investigation into "not prohibiting imports of forced labor products." These measures impose a 12.5% Section 301 tariff on goods from 60 economies, including China, in addition to existing tariffs. The spokesperson was responding to a journalist's question about the US action.

China's position and counter-arguments

The spokesperson stated that China has always opposed forced labor, having established a comprehensive labor law and regulatory system to resolutely prevent and combat such practices. In contrast, the United States has not only failed to ratify the 1930 Forced Labour Convention but has also long manipulated the "forced labor" issue. This latest move to initiate a 301 investigation and impose unilateral tariffs under the pretext of "forced labor" is a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, to which China is firmly opposed.

The spokesperson noted that the US has repeatedly indicated its intention to replace tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), which have been ruled invalid, along with the 12.2% import surcharge, with Section 301 tariffs. The US explicitly committed during Sino-US economic and trade consultations that substitute tariffs on Chinese goods would not exceed 20%. Currently, the substitute tariff rate imposed by the US on Chinese goods stands at 12.5%. China's countermeasures against the first round of the US so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs remain in effect.

China's call for correction and dialogue

The spokesperson urged the US to correct its erroneous practices and completely revoke the relevant unilateral tariff measures. China expressed its willingness to continue dialogue and consultation with the US on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit to resolve respective concerns. China hopes the US will work in the same direction, jointly uphold and implement the consensus reached in economic and trade consultations, continuously reduce the list of issues while expanding the list of cooperation, and contribute more to building a constructive and stable strategic relationship between the two countries.