In a strong rebuke against protectionism, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced Friday that it will take all necessary steps to safeguard the rights of Chinese enterprises, urging Mexico to strictly adhere to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
The statement comes in response to Mexico’s recent initiation of anti-dumping investigations targeting Chinese float glass, self-adhesive tape, PVC coated fabric, and steel bolts.
A MOFCOM spokesperson emphasized that China firmly opposes practices that undermine the legitimate interests of its businesses and will closely monitor the progress of the investigations.
Providing context for the dispute, the spokesperson noted a significant escalation in trade tensions, stating that Mexico has launched 11 anti-dumping investigations into Chinese products so far this year—nearly doubling last year’s total.
This aggressive stance, MOFCOM asserted, contrasts with China’s cautious and restrained approach to initiating trade remedy investigations.
Furthermore, the spokesperson broadened the critique, stressing that in the current global climate, countries should jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism, especially in the context of the US’s abuse of tariffs.
Nations should refrain from imposing restrictions on China under various pretexts or coercion from others.
In a reciprocal move, the MOFCOM confirmed it has already launched a separate trade and investment barrier investigation into Mexico’s planned measures to raise import tariffs on Chinese goods and impose other trade and investment restrictions.
The spokesperson emphasized that by stressing that China’s response will depend on the findings and circumstances of this investigation, and it is prepared to take all necessary measures across trade and investment sectors to resolutely protect its enterprises.
