The Ministry of Commerce responds to hot issues such as the so-called "regulatory loopholes" in blocking chips in the United States

Beijing, June 4 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Commerce responds to hot issues such as the US's so-called "regulatory loopholes" in blocking chips

Xinhua News Agency reporters Huang Taoming and Xie Xiyao

At the regular press conference held by the Ministry of Commerce on the 4th, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce, He Yongqian, responded to hot issues such as the United States sealing the so-called chip "regulatory loopholes", proposing to impose tariffs on so-called forced labor economies, and China implementing safeguard measures for imported beef.

In response to a question from the US Department of Commerce about the so-called "regulatory loopholes" in chip production, He Yongqian said, "We have noticed the situation. In recent years, the US has continuously abused export controls under the pretext of national security, seriously damaging the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, seriously disrupting the international economic and trade order, and seriously impacting the stability of the global semiconductor industry chain and supply chain. China has always opposed this. China urges the US to correct its erroneous practices as soon as possible, stop discriminatory measures against China, and maintain the stability of the global industry chain and supply chain

When asked about the US proposal to impose tariffs on so-called forced labor economies, He Yongqian stated that China's position on the 301 investigation has been consistent. China opposes all forms of unilateral restrictive measures, including a series of trade restrictions imposed on China under the pretext of "forced labor". China has repeatedly expressed its firm stance on this. Urge the US and China to move towards each other and jointly maintain the stability of China US economic and trade relations.

Regarding the reduction of tariffs on relevant products mentioned by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, based on the consensus reached in the previous economic and trade consultations, China and the United States have agreed to establish a trade council to discuss the framework arrangement of equivalent tariff reduction for products of equal scale under the council. China believes that this arrangement will be the right step taken by the United States in its tariff policy towards China, and has positive significance for stabilizing and expanding bilateral trade between China and the United States. The economic and trade teams of both sides will maintain close communication, agree on specific arrangements as soon as possible, and promote implementation, "said He Yongqian.

Another reporter asked: The Ministry of Commerce released information on June 1st that the import volume of Australian beef had reached 90% of the country's annual quota on June 1st. If imports reach the threshold, will the Ministry of Commerce automatically apply safeguard tariffs this year? Or did the Ministry of Commerce consider other factors before making a decision?

He Yongqian said that the Ministry of Commerce will issue a notice on December 31, 2025 to implement safeguard measures for imported beef, in the form of "national quotas and additional tariffs on quotas". From the third day (inclusive) after a country's annual quota for beef imports is reached, the importing operator shall impose a 55% tariff on the basis of the current applicable tariff rate when importing beef. To improve the transparency of the implementation of measures, both the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs will issue relevant notification information when a country's import quantity reaches a certain proportion of its annual quota and when this quota is reached.

What I want to emphasize is that the implementation of safeguard measures on imported beef is aimed at temporarily helping the domestic industry overcome difficulties, rather than restricting normal beef trade. The Chinese market has always been open, and China is willing to work together with all parties to maintain a stable and healthy international trade environment, "said He Yongqian.

He Yongqian also introduced that in 2026, the Ministry of Commerce will hold over 100 "Export to China" activities to promote and advertise high-quality products from various countries to Chinese enterprises and consumers, build platforms and bridges for enterprises from various countries to expand exports to China, and make greater efforts to expand imports, sharing new opportunities for China's development with countries around the world. On June 7th and 11th, "Export to China" overseas special events will be held in Belarus and Germany respectively.