The ministry made the comments in responding to a World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel which found China imposing additional duties on certain imports from the United States.
China has taken note of the WTO panel finding and is studying the report, the ministry said, adding the root cause lies in “the unilateralist and protectionist behaviors” of the US side.

“The countermeasures taken by the Chinese side in accordance with the law are a legitimate move to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests” it added.
Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the Trump administration placed 25% tariffs on some imports of steel and 10% duties on certain imports of aluminum in 2018.Under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the Trump administration placed 25% tariffs on some imports of steel and 10% duties on certain imports of aluminum in 2018.
Since then, the US has not implemented absolute quotas, but US negotiators have explored alternative managed trade measures to decrease import volumes, such as tariff-rate quotas (TRQs).
As reported by the Global Times, the China Iron and Steel Association (CISA) and China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association had last year urged the US to correct its errors and foster a positive international trade environment. They had expressed their high appreciation and firm support for the WTO’s finding that the US tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products were unlawful.