China tells Trump his tariffs on steel and aluminium will damage global trading

CHINA has accused Donald Trump of damaging the global trading system by hiking steel and aluminium tariffs, while Japan and South Korea expressed alarm at potential economic damage.

China’s Commerce Ministry said it “firmly opposes” the US president’s move but gave no sign that Beijing might make good on threats to retaliate.

Asian stock markets rose in early trading on relief that Mr Trump’s measures were not more severe. Traders also were encouraged by news Mr Trump might meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

South Korea’s trade minister, speaking at an emergency meeting, appealed to other governments to prevent a trade war.

“We will urge the international community to refrain from adopting measures that inhibit free trade,” said the minister, Paik Un-gyu.

Mr Trump said the tariff hikes ordered last week were needed to protect US national security by ensuring the survival of the country’s metals producers.

“These measures could make a significant impact on the economic and cooperative relationship between Japan and the US, who are allies,” said Taro Kono, Japan’s trade minister.

The tariffs take effect in 15 days, with Canada and Mexico indefinitely spared “to see if we can make the deal,” Mr Trump said, referring to renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

He suggested at a Cabinet meeting that Australia and other countries might be spared, a shift that could soften the blow amid threats of retaliation.

Mr Trump has complained about low-cost Chinese exports of steel and aluminium, but the latest move was likely to hit Japan and South Korea harder.

The United States bought just 1.1% of China’s steel exports last year compared with 12% for South Korea and 5% for Japan, according to the US International Trade Commission.

“Significant damage in South Korea’s steel exports to the United States seems unavoidable,” said Mr Paik.

Australia’s trade minister Steve Ciobo said he had preliminary discussions with the US trade representative, Robert Lighthizer.

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„ Japan and South Korea will be the worst hit.