Chinese Businesses Reject US Tariff Hike Over Forced Labour Allegations

The Chinese business community is dissatisfied and rejects the United States’ proposed additional tariff policy related to allegations concerning forced labour. This was conveyed by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT). The US investigation and tariff proposal essentially aim to extend US domestic standards and unilateral rules to other economies, which has no basis in international law and contradicts the regulations of the multilateral trading system, the trade promotion body elaborated. CCPIT assessed that the US conclusion claiming the targeted economies’ policies undermine efforts to eliminate forced labour or distort market competition is not supported by sufficient evidence. Furthermore, CCPIT stated the proposal uses tariffs as a policy pressure tool and clearly contains elements of unilateralism and protectionism. CCPIT noted the differentiated tariff arrangements clearly violate the principles of non-discrimination and fair competition. The Chinese business community, CCPIT continued, urges the US to respect those facts, cease the abuse and excessive application of trade restrictions, return to the rules-based multilateral trading system, properly handle trade and economic disputes through dialogue and consultation, and jointly maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains.