China Urges US to Lift Tariffs, Citing "Excess of Authority" Ruling

Legal Emphasis Against Trade Restrictions The Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued an official statement following the US Supreme Court's ruling that additional customs tariffs implemented by President Donald Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) constituted an excess of authority.
The Ministry urged the Washington administration to immediately cancel unilateral tariffs against trade partners, stating that such practices disrupt the global trade balance.
The statement reiterated China's opposition to all forms of unilateral tariffs and its position that there are no winners in trade wars.
Emphasizing that protectionism is not a solution, ministry officials argued that US practices, including reciprocal tariffs and fentanyl-related tariffs, violate both international trade rules and the United States' own national laws.
It was stated that this situation harms global supply chains and serves the interests of no party.
Supreme Court Decision and New Customs Duties On February 20, the US Supreme Court ruled that the IEEPA does not grant the president unlimited authority to impose tariffs.
However, immediately following this decision, President Trump invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to sign a decree for a 10 percent global customs duty on all countries.
On February 21, Trump escalated trade tensions by announcing that this rate would be increased to 15 percent.
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce noted that the US administration is exploring alternative legal grounds and trade investigations to maintain the tariffs.
The Beijing administration emphasized that it will closely monitor the process and take all necessary steps with determination to defend its economic interests.