China expresses "strong opposition" to US tire probe

(Reuters News report)

Beijing – China's Commerce Ministry expressed strong opposition on 18 July to an anti-dumping investigation started by the US into imports of Chinese tires.

The ministry said in a statement that the application for the probe had serious flaws and that the US tire industry did not support it. (As Tire Business reported on 26 June.)

"The US side still instigated the probe despite the opposition of relevant industry organisations, contravening World Trade Organisation rules and US domestic law. China expresses its strong opposition," it said.

The United States adopted such measures in 2009, causing serious harm to Sino-US trade ties, the ministry added.

"The facts prove that special protection measures by the US have brought no tangible benefits to US tire producers," it said.

China hopes the US has learnt from previous experience and will handle this case cautiously to avoid affecting relations between relevant companies in each country, the ministry added.

Trade is one of a number of sensitive points in bilateral relations between the two countries, which are at odds over everything from human rights to the value of China's currency.

China's commerce minister urged the US last week not to abuse the global trade system by imposing duties on Chinese goods to protect its own economy, following a rebuke to Washington by the WTO.