China is urging the United States to withdraw its investigation into copper imports, labeling the probe as “unilateral” and “protectionist.”
On Thursday, China’s Ministry of Commerce spokesperson, He Yadong, responded to the U.S. decision to initiate a Section 232 investigation into imported copper. He stated that the accusation—that China uses subsidies and excess capacity to undermine competition—is entirely unfounded.
“The U.S. investigation is a unilateral and protectionist act carried out under the pretext of ‘national security’,” He said during a press conference. “This action undermines the rules-based multilateral trading system and disrupts the stability of global production and supply chains.”
He pointed out that China is actually a net importer of refined copper, exporting only a small amount of copper products. “The U.S. claims do not align with the reality of the trade between our countries,” he added.
An expert panel from the World Trade Organization (WTO) had previously ruled in 2022 that the U.S. Section 232 tariff measures violate WTO rules, according to He. He urged the United States to adhere to international trade regulations.
If the U.S. insists on imposing additional tariffs and restrictive measures, China will “resolutely take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” He warned.
Despite the tensions, He emphasized that China is willing to resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation. “We are firmly opposed to unilateral tariff measures but remain open to discussions to find a mutually beneficial solution,” he said.
