China starts 'full assessment' of US tariff ruling by SC, urges Washington to lift duties: Report
The comments from China’s Commerce Ministry came days after the US Supreme Court invalidated a number of tariffs that had formed part of Trump’s broader global trade strategy, including duties targeting China and other major Asian exporters, such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
- Feb 23, 2026,
- Updated Feb 23, 2026 12:08 PM IST
China has begun what it described as a “full assessment” of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down several of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, while urging Washington to roll back what it called “unilateral tariff measures” imposed on trading partners. Beijing warned that prolonged trade friction between the world’s two largest economies would be damaging for both sides.
The comments from China’s Commerce Ministry came days after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a number of tariffs that had formed part of Trump’s broader global trade strategy, including duties targeting China and other major Asian exporters, such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, news agency Reuters reported on Monday. The ruling marked a significant legal setback for the administration’s tariff framework.
However, within hours of the decision, Trump announced plans to introduce a new 10% tariff on imports from all countries, later indicating that the rate could rise to 15%. The proposed levies are reportedly grounded in Section 122 of U.S. trade law, a rarely used provision that allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days without prior congressional approval. Any extension beyond that period would require lawmakers’ consent. No previous U.S. president has invoked Section 122, and trade experts suggest its use could trigger fresh legal challenges.
In its statement, China’s Commerce Ministry said U.S. unilateral tariffs violate international trade rules and domestic U.S. law, and do not serve the interests of any party. “Cooperation between China and the United States is beneficial to both sides, but fighting is harmful,” the ministry said, adding that Beijing would closely monitor developments and firmly safeguard its national interests.
Chinese state media amplified the criticism. Gao Lingyun, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that recent U.S. tariff decisions were “highly arbitrary” and risked being used as a “political weapon.” He argued that tariff policy should be based on rigorous economic assessment rather than political considerations.
The renewed tariff uncertainty is unfolding ahead of a highly anticipated visit by President Trump to China in late March and early April, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping. Trade policy is likely to dominate the agenda, with both sides seeking clarity on the direction of bilateral economic ties.
Other major economies are also reacting cautiously. South Korea said it would continue consultations with Washington to maintain a “balance of interests,” as concerns mount across sectors including automobiles, batteries and semiconductors. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan called for coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors to protect export competitiveness and diversify markets.
India has reportedly delayed sending a trade delegation to Washington to finalise an interim deal, citing fresh tariff uncertainty. Meanwhile, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that businesses require predictability, not prolonged legal disputes, cautioning that new tariff measures must be clearly defined and constitutionally sound to avoid further disruption.
As legal and political uncertainties persist, global markets face renewed questions over the stability of U.S. trade policy and its broader economic implications.
China has begun what it described as a “full assessment” of the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down several of President Donald Trump’s tariffs, while urging Washington to roll back what it called “unilateral tariff measures” imposed on trading partners. Beijing warned that prolonged trade friction between the world’s two largest economies would be damaging for both sides.
The comments from China’s Commerce Ministry came days after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated a number of tariffs that had formed part of Trump’s broader global trade strategy, including duties targeting China and other major Asian exporters, such as South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, news agency Reuters reported on Monday. The ruling marked a significant legal setback for the administration’s tariff framework.
However, within hours of the decision, Trump announced plans to introduce a new 10% tariff on imports from all countries, later indicating that the rate could rise to 15%. The proposed levies are reportedly grounded in Section 122 of U.S. trade law, a rarely used provision that allows tariffs of up to 15% for 150 days without prior congressional approval. Any extension beyond that period would require lawmakers’ consent. No previous U.S. president has invoked Section 122, and trade experts suggest its use could trigger fresh legal challenges.
In its statement, China’s Commerce Ministry said U.S. unilateral tariffs violate international trade rules and domestic U.S. law, and do not serve the interests of any party. “Cooperation between China and the United States is beneficial to both sides, but fighting is harmful,” the ministry said, adding that Beijing would closely monitor developments and firmly safeguard its national interests.
Chinese state media amplified the criticism. Gao Lingyun, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times that recent U.S. tariff decisions were “highly arbitrary” and risked being used as a “political weapon.” He argued that tariff policy should be based on rigorous economic assessment rather than political considerations.
The renewed tariff uncertainty is unfolding ahead of a highly anticipated visit by President Trump to China in late March and early April, where he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping. Trade policy is likely to dominate the agenda, with both sides seeking clarity on the direction of bilateral economic ties.
Other major economies are also reacting cautiously. South Korea said it would continue consultations with Washington to maintain a “balance of interests,” as concerns mount across sectors including automobiles, batteries and semiconductors. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan called for coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors to protect export competitiveness and diversify markets.
India has reportedly delayed sending a trade delegation to Washington to finalise an interim deal, citing fresh tariff uncertainty. Meanwhile, European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that businesses require predictability, not prolonged legal disputes, cautioning that new tariff measures must be clearly defined and constitutionally sound to avoid further disruption.
As legal and political uncertainties persist, global markets face renewed questions over the stability of U.S. trade policy and its broader economic implications.