The state-backed China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) has accused the United States of politicizing the steel trade by further hiking tariffs on some Chinese steel products. This comes after U.S. President Joe Biden unveiled a bundle of steep tariff increases on an array of Chinese imports, including certain steel and aluminum products.
In a statement on its WeChat account, CISA said the share of China’s steel exports to the U.S. is very small, and the share of U.S. steel imports from China is also insignificant. The association argued that Biden’s move has “distorted the order of the global steel trade and is not conducive to the healthy development of the global steel industry.”
CISA further stated that China’s steel industry has been focusing on meeting domestic demand and pursuing technological progress and green transformation.
Similarly, the China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association delivered a similar message on Wednesday, criticizing the U.S. tariff hikes.
China’s Ministry of Commerce has also stated that it would take resolute measures to defend its rights and interests in response to the U.S. actions.
The criticism from China’s steel and aluminum lobbies underscores the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries and the impact of protectionist policies on global trade and industry dynamics.