The U.S. Trade Representative's Office released final measures on July 23, Eastern Time, based on the results of a Section 301 investigation into "goods not banned from import due to forced labor." These measures impose a 12.5% Section 301 tariff on China and apply tariffs to 60 economies, including China.

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated that the U.S. has repeatedly indicated its intention to use Section 301 tariffs to replace the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the 122% import surcharge, which have been ruled invalid. The U.S. explicitly pledged during China-U.S. economic and trade consultations that the alternative tariffs on Chinese goods would not exceed 20%. Currently, the U.S. has imposed a 12.5% alternative tariff, while China's countermeasures against the first round of U.S. so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs remain in effect.

China will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively evaluate subsequent U.S. actions and reserves the right to take all necessary measures. China urges the U.S. to correct its erroneous practices and completely eliminate all unilateral tariff measures. On the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, China is willing to continue dialogue and consultation with the U.S. to address respective concerns. China hopes the U.S. will work in the same direction to jointly uphold and implement the consensus from economic and trade consultations, continuously reduce the list of issues, and expand the list of cooperation, contributing more to a constructive and stable strategic relationship between China and the U.S.

Full text follows: Commerce Ministry Spokesperson Comments on U.S. Final Measures from "Forced Labor" Section 301 Investigation

Question: On July 23, Eastern Time, the U.S. Trade Representative's Office released final measures based on the results of a Section 301 investigation into "goods not banned from import due to forced labor," imposing tariffs on 60 economies, including China, and a 12.5% Section 301 tariff on China. What is China's response?

Answer: We have taken note of the relevant situation. China has always opposed forced labor, has established a comprehensive labor law and regulation system, and resolutely prevents and combats forced labor practices. In contrast, the U.S. has not only failed to ratify or join the 1930 Forced Labour Convention but has also long manipulated the "forced labor" issue. By launching a Section 301 investigation on the pretext of "forced labor" and imposing unilateral tariffs, the U.S. is engaging in typical unilateralism and protectionism. China firmly opposes this.

We also note that the U.S. has repeatedly stated its intention to use Section 301 tariffs to replace the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the 122% import surcharge, which have been ruled invalid. The U.S. explicitly pledged during China-U.S. economic and trade consultations that the alternative tariffs on Chinese goods would not exceed 20%. Currently, the U.S. has imposed a 12.5% alternative tariff, while China's countermeasures against the first round of U.S. so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs remain in effect. We will continue to closely monitor and comprehensively evaluate subsequent U.S. actions and reserve the right to take all necessary measures. China urges the U.S. to correct its erroneous practices and completely eliminate all unilateral tariff measures. On the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, China is willing to continue dialogue and consultation with the U.S. to address respective concerns. China hopes the U.S. will work in the same direction to jointly uphold and implement the consensus from economic and trade consultations, continuously reduce the list of issues, and expand the list of cooperation, contributing more to a constructive and stable strategic relationship between China and the U.S.