China acts to ease massive trade surplus
> Lowering import tariffs and supporting import financing to ease negative impact on citizens
BEIJING: China will lower tariffs and step up bank financing to support more imports as the country’s massive trade surplus has a negative impact on its citizens, commerce ministry officials said yesterday.
China runs a vast trade surplus and has been accused by other countries including the United States of protecting domestic firms through unfair trade practices including high import tariffs.
US President Donald Trump is set to visit China next week, with the trade relationship expected to be a major topic of discussion.
“A trade surplus that is too large has a negative impact on Chinese people’s enjoyment of national wealth. Only by reducing the trade surplus can Chinese people feel a greater sense of gratification,” said Ministry of Commerce vice-minister Fu Ziying.
China will lower import tariffs on consumer products, encourage banks to expand import financing, and increase imports of advanced technological equipment and key components, said Wang Bingnan, another vice-commerce minister.
“The Ministry of Commerce and other departments will further improve and refine policies, and work to create an environment that is fair, law-based, international and simplified business environment, to promote the healthy and stable development of foreign trade,” said Wang.
Details were not provided on what kind of products would be affected.
Trump on Wednesday called the US trade deficit with China “embarrassing” and “horrible” ahead of a trip to Asia starting Friday that includes visits to five countries, including China.
Asked about Trump’s comments, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying at a briefing yesterday reiterated that China does not intentionally seek a trade surplus with the United States.
Separately, commerce ministry spokesman Gao Feng said China would speed up the pace of talks over the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and strive to reach a conclusion as soon as possible, according to state media. – Reuters