China has formally lodged an appeal against a recent decision by the World Trade Organization (WTO) that upheld U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, as announced by the Chinese commerce ministry.
Previously, a WTO panel had sided with the United States, concluding that China had violated WTO standards by imposing additional tariffs on U.S. imports in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum. These tariffs, introduced in 2018 during the Donald Trump administration, included a 25% duty on steel and a 10% duty on aluminum imports from various countries, including China. In retaliation, Beijing had imposed extra tariffs on specific U.S.-origin products.
The Chinese commerce ministry pointed out what it called “legal errors” in the WTO panel’s ruling. According to China, the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports represent a “unilateral and protectionist measure” that runs counter to WTO guidelines. China is now urging the United States to adhere to WTO norms and promptly revise these “illegal measures.”
This appeal comes at a time of ongoing tensions in China-U.S. relations, despite recent efforts to improve their diplomatic ties. Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, recently visited Beijing in another attempt by the Biden administration this year to foster dialogue, amid concerns that discord between the two nations may escalate.
