Ministry of Commerce: China will approve applications for rare earth export licenses that meet the requirements

On the afternoon of June 5, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) held a regular press conference, during which a MOFCOM spokesperson introduced the latest developments in key business-related work.

MOFCOM Responds Again to New Restrictive Measures Imposed by the US on China

A reporter asked about the new restrictive measures imposed by the US on China.

He Yongqian, MOFCOM Spokesperson: Following the release of the Joint Statement of the China-US Geneva Economic and Trade Talks on May 12, the Chinese side, in a responsible manner, has taken the obligations it committed to seriously and strictly, and actively upheld the consensus reached at the Geneva economic and trade talks. In contrast, the US side has adopted a series of restrictive measures against China after the Geneva talks, seriously undermining the existing consensus and severely damaging the legitimate rights and interests of the Chinese side. The Chinese side expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this, and demands that the US side immediately cease such actions. If the US side persists in its course and continues to harm the interests of the Chinese side, the Chinese side will resolutely take strong measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

MOFCOM Responds to US Increase in Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: Urges US to Stop Overgeneralizing and Abusing the Concept of National Security

A reporter asked for comments on the US increasing tariffs on imported steel, aluminum, and their derivatives from 25% to 50%, with the policy officially taking effect on the 4th.

He Yongqian stated that the Chinese side has repeatedly emphasized that the Section 232 tariffs are a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, which have already been ruled by the WTO dispute settlement mechanism as violating WTO rules. This time, the US side has once again increased tariffs on steel, aluminum, and their derivative products, which not only harms others and itself, does not help maintain industrial security, but will also seriously disrupt the stability of the global industry chain and supply chain. The US approach has been opposed by multiple countries. The Chinese side urges the US side to respect economic laws, abandon the zero-sum mentality, stop overgeneralizing and abusing the concept of national security, work with all parties to maintain a rules-based multilateral trading system, resolve respective concerns through equal dialogue, and jointly safeguard the stability of the global industry chain and supply chain.

MOFCOM Responds to "Cut-throat Competition" in the Automotive Industry: Strengthens Comprehensive Rectification and Compliance Guidance

A reporter asked questions related to the automotive industry.

Spokesperson He Yongqian stated that the automotive industry is a pillar and strategic industry of the national economy, and an important sector for stabilizing growth and expanding consumption. In recent years, MOFCOM has deeply implemented policies such as trade-in programs for automobiles and pilot reforms in automobile circulation and consumption, continuously releasing the potential of automobile consumption and cultivating new growth points in consumption.

Recently, relevant departments and bureaus of MOFCOM organized symposiums with industry associations, research institutions, and related enterprises to listen to opinions and suggestions, and study ways to further improve automobile circulation and consumption.

Going forward, MOFCOM will work with relevant departments to continue strengthening tracking, research, and policy guidance on the automobile consumer market, promote the removal of bottlenecks and obstacles restricting automobile circulation and consumption, and better meet the diverse and personalized consumption needs of residents.

In response to the "cut-throat competition" phenomenon in the current automotive industry, the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) will actively collaborate with relevant departments to strengthen comprehensive rectification and compliance guidance, maintain a fair and competitive market order, and promote the healthy development of the industry.

MOFCOM responds to the US extension of 301 tariff exemptions on China

In response to a reporter's question: The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced on June 1 that it would extend the exemption period for the 301 investigation into China's acts, policies, and practices related to technology transfer, intellectual property, and innovation. The exemption period, originally set to expire on May 31, 2025, has been extended to August 31, 2025. What is MOFCOM's comment on this?

He Yongqian stated that China's position opposing the US 301 tariffs is clear and consistent. The US 301 tariff measures are typical unilateralist and trade protectionist practices. Previously, the WTO panel ruled that the US 301 tariff measures violated WTO rules. The ultimate cost of the US 301 tariff measures is borne by US enterprises and consumers, which is a typical act of harming others without benefiting oneself. We urge the US to completely eliminate various restrictive measures against China, including the 301 tariffs, and work with China to uphold the consensus spirit of the Geneva economic and trade talks, promoting the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of China-US economic and trade relations.

MOFCOM: China will approve rare earth export license applications that meet regulations

A media outlet asked that some foreign enterprises believe that the process for obtaining rare earth export licenses in China is slow, and their enterprises may face production halts. How does China respond to this?

He Yongqian stated that rare earths and related items have obvious dual-use characteristics, and implementing export controls on them is an international common practice. The Chinese government reviews export license applications for dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations. For applications that meet the regulations, China will approve them to promote and facilitate compliant trade.