At a regular press conference held by the Ministry of Commerce on June 4th, spokesperson He Yongqian responded to several prominent trade matters. These included recent US actions to close so-called chip "regulatory loopholes," proposals to impose additional tariffs on economies accused of forced labor, and China's safeguard measures on imported beef.
When asked about the US Department of Commerce's move regarding chip controls, He Yongqian stated that China has taken note of the developments. He remarked that in recent years, the US has persistently abused export controls under the pretext of national security. This has seriously infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, disrupted international economic and trade order, and severely impacted the stability of the global semiconductor industry and supply chains. China has consistently opposed such actions. He urged the US to promptly correct its misguided approach, cease its discriminatory measures against China, and help maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.
In response to a question about the US proposal for tariffs related to forced labor, He Yongqian emphasized that China's position on Section 301 investigations is consistent and clear. China opposes all forms of unilateral restrictive measures, including a series of trade restrictions imposed on China under the guise of "forced labor." China has repeatedly expressed its solemn stance on this issue. He called on the US to work with China to jointly safeguard the stability of Sino-US economic and trade relations.
Regarding the US Trade Representative's mention of mutual tariff reductions on certain products, He Yongqian noted that based on consensus from previous economic and trade consultations, China and the US have agreed to establish a trade council. Under this council, a framework for reciprocal tariff reductions on products of comparable scale would be discussed. China views this arrangement as a correct step by the US in its tariff policy towards China, holding positive significance for stabilizing and expanding bilateral trade. The economic and trade teams from both sides will maintain close communication to finalize specific arrangements and facilitate their implementation as soon as possible.
A journalist also inquired about a notice issued by the Ministry of Commerce on June 1st, indicating that imports of Australian beef had reached 90% of its annual country-specific quota. The question was whether safeguard tariffs would be applied automatically this year if the import threshold is met, or if other factors would be considered before a decision is made.
He Yongqian explained that the Ministry of Commerce announced safeguard measures on imported beef, effective until December 31, 2025. The measures take the form of "country-specific quotas and additional tariffs on imports exceeding those quotas." Starting from the third day (inclusive) after a country's beef imports reach its annual quota volume, importers will be required to pay an additional 55% tariff on top of the current applicable rate. To enhance transparency in implementing these measures, both the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs will issue relevant alerts when a country's imports reach a certain percentage of its quota and when the full quota is met.
He Yongqian stressed that the safeguard measures on imported beef are intended to provide temporary assistance to the domestic industry during a difficult period, not to restrict normal beef trade. The Chinese market remains open, and China is willing to work with all parties to maintain a stable and healthy international trade environment.
He Yongqian also provided an overview of plans for 2026, stating that the Ministry of Commerce will host over 100 "Export to China" events. These events aim to promote high-quality products from various countries to Chinese enterprises and consumers, serving as a platform and bridge for foreign companies to expand their exports to China. This initiative is part of broader efforts to increase imports and share the new opportunities presented by China's development with the world. Specific overseas events are scheduled to take place in Belarus on June 7th and in Germany on June 11th.
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