The United States' latest tariff push on drone imports, coupled with its accusation of "tariff evasion" by China, has heightened concerns that its increasingly unilateral and protectionist approach toward trade could further erode bilateral trust and disrupt global industrial and supply chains, said officials and experts.
Such tactics are likely to prove self-defeating, as punitive and discriminatory tariffs would raise US supply chain costs without delivering the manufacturing revival it seeks, they said, adding that dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation offer the only practical way forward.
Their comments came as China's Ministry of Commerce urged the US on Thursday to immediately withdraw its Section 232 tariffs on imported drones and related components.
On Aug 13, the US announced Section 232 tariffs of up to 100 percent on certain imported drones and components, citing national security concerns — a move that the Financial Times said targeted Chinese drone technology.
Voicing strong opposition to the US move, Commerce Ministry spokesman He Yadong said it is a "unilateral and protectionist" action taken on the pretext of national security.
