China says will protect its interests amid US trade probe on steel, aluminium

BEIJING (REUTERS) - China's Commerce Ministry said on Saturday (Feb 17) the country will take necessary steps to protect itself if a final US decision on imposing steep curbs on steel and aluminium imports from China and other countries affects China's interests.
The ministry added that the US Commerce Department report was "baseless" and did not accord with the facts.
The US Commerce Department has recommended that US President Donald Trump impose steep curbs on steel and aluminum imports from China and other countries ranging from global and country-specific tariffs to broad import quotas, according to proposals released on Friday.
The long-awaited unveiling of Commerce's "Section 232"national security reviews of the two industries contained global tariff options of at least 24 percent on all steel products from all countries, and at least 7.7 percent on all aluminum products from all countries.
Trump authorised the probes under a 1962 trade law that has not been invoked since 2001. He has until April 11 to announce his decision on steel import curbs and by April 20 to decide on aluminum restrictions.
Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross emphasised that Trump would have the final say, including on whether to exclude certain countries, such as NATO allies, from any actions.

"The president has the discretion to modify any of these or to come with something totally different," he told reporters on a conference call.
He said a global tariff would cover every steel and aluminum product entering the American market from China.
Source :   straitstimes

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