China's Ministry of Commerce has responded to a range of prominent trade issues, including recent US actions on semiconductor exports.
The spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, He Yongqian, addressed these topics during a regular press conference on June 4th, covering the US move to close what it calls chip "regulatory loopholes," proposed tariffs on economies accused of forced labor, and China's safeguard measures on imported beef.
When asked about the US Commerce Department's actions regarding semiconductor export controls, He Yongqian stated, "We have noted the relevant situation. In recent years, the US side has continuously abused export controls under the pretext of national security, seriously harming the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, severely undermining international economic and trade order, and gravely impacting the stability of the global semiconductor industry and supply chains. China has consistently opposed this. China urges the US side to correct its wrongdoings as soon as possible, stop its discriminatory measures against China, and maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains."
In response to a question about US proposals to impose tariffs on economies it alleges use forced labor, He Yongqian reiterated China's consistent stance on the Section 301 investigations. He stated that China opposes all forms of unilateral restrictive measures, including a series of trade restrictions imposed on China under the pretext of "forced labor," a position China has expressed solemnly on multiple occasions. He urged the US to work with China to jointly maintain the stability of bilateral economic and trade relations.
"Regarding the matter of reducing tariffs on certain products as mentioned by the US Trade Representative, based on the consensus reached in previous economic and trade consultations, China and the US agreed to establish a trade council to discuss a framework for reciprocal tariff reductions on products of equivalent scale under the council," He Yongqian said. "China believes this arrangement would be a correct step by the US side in its tariff policy towards China and holds positive significance for stabilizing and expanding China-US bilateral trade. The economic and trade teams of both sides will maintain close communication to finalize the specific arrangements and promote their implementation as soon as possible."
Another journalist inquired about information released by the Ministry of Commerce on June 1st, indicating that Australian beef imports had reached 90% of its annual country-specific quota. The question was whether safeguard tariffs would be automatically applied this year if the import threshold was reached, or if other factors would be considered before a decision.
He Yongqian clarified that the Ministry of Commerce had announced safeguard measures on imported beef, effective until December 31, 2025, in the form of "country-specific quotas and additional tariffs beyond those quotas." Starting from the third day (inclusive) after a country's beef import volume reaches its annual quota, importers must pay an additional 55% tariff on top of the current applicable tariff rate when importing beef from that country. To enhance transparency in the implementation of these measures, the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs will issue relevant notifications when a country's import volume reaches a certain percentage of its annual quota and when the quota is fully met.
"I want to emphasize that the safeguard measures on imported beef are intended to help the domestic industry overcome difficulties on a temporary basis, not to restrict normal beef trade. The Chinese market remains open. China is willing to work with all parties to jointly maintain a stable and healthy international trade environment," He Yongqian added.
He Yongqian also announced that in 2026, the Ministry of Commerce will host over 100 "Export to China" events to promote high-quality products from various countries to Chinese enterprises and consumers. These events aim to build platforms and bridges for foreign companies to expand exports to China, further increase imports, and share new development opportunities in China with the world. Overseas "Export to China" events are scheduled to be held in Belarus on June 7th and in Germany on June 11th.
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