China urges US to scrap tariffs after Supreme Court strikes down Trump duties

2026-02-23 - 10:12

China called on the United States Monday to cancel unilateral tariff measures imposed on trading partners following a US Supreme Court ruling that struck down multiple duties enacted by President Donald Trump. A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce emphasized that Beijing has consistently opposed unilateral tariff increases and maintained that trade wars produce no winners. Court Ruling and Chinese Response The Supreme Court last week ruled that reciprocal tariffs, fentanyl-related duties, and other measures imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unlawful. In response, the Commerce Ministry spokesperson stated through the Global Times that "the unilateral measures taken by the US, including the reciprocal tariffs and fentanyl-related tariffs, not only violate international trade and economic rules but also contravene US domestic law, and they do not serve the interests of any party." Cooperation Versus Confrontation The ministry emphasized that historical experience demonstrates cooperation between the world's two largest economies benefits both countries, while confrontation harms all parties involved. "We have also noted that the US is preparing to adopt alternative measures, such as trade investigations, in an attempt to maintain tariffs on its trading partners," the spokesperson added, indicating Beijing is closely monitoring Washington's next moves. Monitoring Future Actions China pledged to "closely monitor these developments and firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests" as the Trump administration considers alternative mechanisms to maintain trade pressure. The court decision represents a significant legal setback for the president's trade policy framework, potentially forcing the administration to pursue different avenues for addressing trade imbalances and other bilateral concerns. Beijing's statement signals both satisfaction with the judicial rebuke and wariness about potential administrative workarounds Washington might employ to preserve its tariff architecture.