Multiple Chinese industry associations issued stern statements on Saturday opposing the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s Section 301 action targeting China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, echoing the firm opposition expressed by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Friday.
The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing (CFLP) criticized the US restrictions, urging the US to abide by market principles and multilateral trading rules, and correct its actions. The association argued that the US’ unilateral and protectionist stance undermines the multilateral trading system and international trade rules.
These US measures negatively impact logistics firms, shipowners, cargo owners, importers, exporters, and consumers in both countries, CFLP said in its statement, warning that such actions could harm China-US economic and trade relations, may further increase international logistics costs, disrupt global industrial and supply chains, and threaten global economic development.
The China Association of National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) on Saturday voiced strong opposition to US restrictions. The association criticized the US for unjustly cracking down on China’s shipbuilding industry with baseless accusations and flawed investigations, noting that this constitutes a violation of international trade rules and significantly undermines the collaborative development of the global maritime industry.
The US restrictions on China’s shipbuilding sector will inevitably disrupt the global maritime industry. This move will not aid the recovery of the US shipbuilding sector but will instead directly push up international shipping costs, exacerbate the domestic inflation crisis, and harm the basic living standards of the American people, the association said on its WeChat account.
The China Shipowners’ Association (CSA) strongly opposes and protests the US’ restrictions. The association rejected the US’ unfounded accusations, which it says are based on incorrect information and bias, and denounced the misuse of protectionist measures that disrupt the global shipping market.
The CSA urged the US to stop investigations and actions driven by political bias, rescind all discriminatory measures, and genuinely abide by international trade rules and market principles. It calls for an end to actions that could seriously harm the normal development of the global maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors, according to the release.
In response to the USTR’s Section 301 action, MOFCOM said on Friday that China strongly deplores and opposes the US move.
The US action is a typical example of non-market behavior with discriminatory overtones, the ministry spokesperson said, adding that China will closely monitor the situation and take firm measures to safeguard its own rights and interests. GT
