China Opens Inquiry Into Trade With U.S.

“China opened two probes into U.S. trade practices, keeping pressure on Washington ahead of President Trump's visit to Beijing in May.

 

The Chinese probes mirror new investigations by the U.S. that could raise tariffs on Chinese goods. A summit between Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping is scheduled for May 14-15 in Beijing.

 

"Both sides are building up maximum leverage before the meeting," said Dan Wang, a China director at consulting firm Eurasia Group.

 

After the Supreme Court struck down Trump's global tariffs earlier this year, the U.S. opened investigations into China and other countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974. If those probes find nations engaged in unfair trade practices, they could result in the president imposing tariffs later this year.

 

The probes target excess industrial capacity and forced-labor regulations.

 

China's Commerce Ministry said its new trade inquiries were reciprocal in response to the Section 301 investigations, adding that China opposes the U.S. actions. The ministry said it would act to defend China's rights based on the findings of the investigations.

 

One of the Chinese probes targets U.S. practices that China says disrupt global supply chains. Beijing cited U.S. restrictions that affect the import of Chinese products, the export of U.S. high-tech products to China and certain investments between the two countries.

 

The other probe focuses on trade barriers to renewable-energy products. The investigations have a six-month deadline, with a potential three-month extension, the ministry said.” [1]

 

1. World News: China Opens Inquiry Into Trade With U.S. Miao, Hannah.  Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y.. 28 Mar 2026: A8.