China said it is conducting a “full assessment” of a recent ruling by the US Supreme Court on tariffs imposed by the United States, urging Washington to remove what it described as unilateral trade measures affecting its partners. The statement from China’s commerce ministry on Monday followed a landmark decision by the court striking down several tariffs introduced under Donald Trump’s global trade policy.
The court ruled in a six-to-three decision on Friday that Trump lacked the authority to impose tariffs under a 1977 law he had relied on to introduce sudden levies on individual countries, including measures targeting China. The decision represents a significant setback for Trump’s trade agenda, which has centered on sweeping duties as a key economic and geopolitical tool.
Despite the ruling, Trump announced within hours that he would impose a new 10% duty on US imports from all countries starting Tuesday, later raising the rate to 15% on Saturday. He also indicated that his administration would explore alternative legal avenues to introduce what he described as “legally permissible” tariffs in the coming months.
China’s commerce ministry criticized US tariff policies, stating that unilateral measures violate international trade rules and US domestic law and do not serve the interests of any party. The ministry also expressed concern over Washington’s plans to maintain tariffs through alternative mechanisms, including trade investigations, adding that Beijing would continue to closely monitor developments and firmly safeguard its interests.
The tariff dispute comes ahead of Trump’s planned visit to China from March 31 to April 2 for a closely watched meeting between the leaders of the world’s two largest economies. Meanwhile, several countries said they are reviewing the Supreme Court’s ruling and Washington’s subsequent policy announcements.
US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said in media interviews that existing trade agreements between the United States, China, the European Union and other partners would remain in force despite the court’s decision.
