China: U.S. gov't should seriously consider tire protectionism

BEIJING, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce said on Monday it hoped the U.S. government would listen to its own industries and not impose protective measures on tires.

The comment came after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a statement on June 29 recommending falling tariffs of 55 percent, 45 percent and 35 percent over the next three years on motor vehicle and light truck tires from China.

The U.S. Tire Industry Association, the American Coalition for Free Trade in Tires, the American Automotive Trade Policy Council, and the Retail Industry Leaders Association have all expressed strong opposition to the planned moves.

The commission's protectionism ploy lacked legitimacy and objective foundation, and China strongly opposed the U.S. government's implementation of discriminatory measures against tires from China, the ministry said.

U.S. President Barack Obama will make a final decision on the issue before September 17, following an August 7 hearing.

Imposing protectionist measures against Chinese tires would not only harm the interests of China's tire industry and Sino-U.S. bilateral trade, but also jeopardize the overall interests of U.S. economy, the ministry said.