China Urges US to Immediately Lift Tariffs on Drone Imports

China’s Commerce Ministry has called on the United States to lift Section 232 tariffs on drone imports and related parts as soon as possible, saying the move is hurting Chinese companies and putting pressure on the industry’s supply chain.

A ministry spokesperson said on Thursday that China considers the tariffs an example of unilateralism and protectionism, a policy, he said, that has been justified under the label of “national security.”

According to China’s Commerce Ministry, drones exported by the country to the United States are mainly used in civilian sectors. The ministry identified agriculture, equipment inspection and entertainment as the main uses for these drones.

Beijing has also argued that the tariffs excessively broaden the concept of national security, discriminate against Chinese goods and severely affect the interests of Chinese companies.

China’s Commerce Ministry warned that the continuation of these duties could disrupt drone production and the global supply chain and damage fair competition in the market. Under US trade law, Section 232 tariffs are typically imposed on certain imports on the basis of national security considerations.