Chinese officials welcome US duty decision

Following the US International Trade Commission (ITC)’s decision not to place import tariffs on China truck tyres, Chinese officials have welcomed the news. The ITC determination was made on 22 February 2017 on the basis that tyres from China “did not materially injure or threaten to damage the US industry”, and that no anti-dumping or countervailing duties would be imposed on those products.

The news followed a previous ruling by the US Department of Commerce in January that imposed antidumping duties of up to 22.57 per cent and countervailing duties of up to 65.46 per cent on some truck and bus tyres made in China.

China’s Ministry of Commerce welcomed the news, saying it is “in line with the objective facts”. Wang Hejun, head of the ministry’s trade remedy and investigation bureau added his view that it is “objective and fair.”

He commented: “We hope the two countries’ tyre industries strengthen dialogue and  communication, effectively manage and control trade disputes, and maintain an open and fair trade environment for the good of the people of China and the US.”

Wang also claimed that US and Chinese tyres are complementary to each other.

Data from China’s Ministry of Commerce showed US imports of truck and bus tyres from China were worth $1.5 billion in 2015, but fell to over $1 billion in the first 11 months of 2016, as a result of the trade probe.