China Formally Files WTO Complaint - aftermarketNews

China Formally Files WTO Complaint

Amid warnings that a surge in Chinese-made tires had cost more than 5,000 jobs in the United States, President Barack Obama on Friday imposed punitive duties of 35 percent on the Chinese imports, igniting the first trade spat of his presidency just weeks before hosting his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

China on Monday hauled the United States to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over what it alleged were unfair tariffs imposed by Washington on Chinese tire imports.

"The United States has adopted protective measures against Chinese tires shipped to the United States. This is a violation of WTO rules," said Chinese Commerce ministry spokesman Yao Jian.

Amid warnings that a surge in Chinese-made tires had cost more than 5,000 jobs in the United States, President Barack Obama on Friday imposed punitive duties of 35 percent on the Chinese imports, igniting the first trade spat of his presidency just weeks before hosting his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

Beijing reacted strongly against the move, saying over the weekend that it would in turn investigate possible unfair practices in U.S. exports of car parts and chicken meat.

Xinhua news agency also quoted experts as saying that 100,000 Chinese jobs could be lost as a result of U.S. tariffs and that China’s tire industry would be worse off to the tune of $1 billion.

"The United States, by making the decision, failed to honor its commitments made at the G20 financial summit and abused trade remedy measures, which is grave protectionism and will undermine China-U.S. economic and trade ties as well as the early recovery of the world economy," said Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Jiang Yu over the weekend.

In Monday’s statement, Chinese officials also reminded the United States of its "determination to firmly fight against trade protectionism," adding that its move to go to the WTO was a "correct action … aimed at safeguarding our interests."

Beijing and Washington now have 60 days to hold bilateral consultations on the issue. If it is not resolved at the end of the period, the WTO would rule on the issue. (Tire Review)

You May Also Like

SEMA Urges Members to Support Tax Relief Bill

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 benefits specialty automotive aftermarket businesses, according to SEMA.

SEMA Action Network

SEMA is encouraging its members to reach out to their representatives and ask for their support on H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. The bill, which The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote on this week, benefits specialty automotive aftermarket businesses, according to SEMA, by allowing for the immediate expensing of R&D and investments in equipment and increasing the small business expensing cap by nearly 30%.

ASA Endorses Bipartisan Tax Framework

The Automotive Service Association says the legislation is beneficial for independent automotive repair businesses.

Industry Partners Urge Congress to Pass R&D Deductibility Fix

“Congress must restore this tax provision to enhance U.S. competitiveness, job creation and innovation as soon as possible,” said Ann Wilson, MEMA’s executive vice president of government affairs.

Legislators Challenge Vehicle Data Access ‘Double Standard’

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez joined other legislators in sending a letter to NHTSA about proposed guidance for implementing the Massachusetts Right to Repair law.

House Passes Bill to Stop EPA Emissions Mandate

The U.S. House passed the “Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act” (H.R. 4468) with bipartisan support.

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales

Other Posts

U.S. House Schedules Vote to Stop EPA Emissions Mandate

The SEMA-supported bill would prohibit the EPA from finalizing federal emissions standards for light- and medium-duty motor vehicles model years ’27 to ’32.

emissions
Section 301 Tariffs & Circumvention: A Closer Look

There’s buzz suggesting that these tariffs are likely here to stay, possibly with even steeper charges on specific items.

Maine Voters Overwhelmingly Back Right to Repair

Over 80% of Mainers voted “yes” to ensure that they and their repair shops can access vehicle diagnostic tools and data.

AAPEX Keynote: Right to Repair Takes Center Stage

While there are headwinds, Congressional support is moving the REPAIR Act forward.

Right to Repair AAPEX