China Launches Two Probes Into US Trade Restrictions on Chinese Goods

BEIJING, March 27 — China has launched two investigations into trade practices by the United States that Beijing claims are restricting Chinese goods and disrupting global supply chains, marking the latest development in ongoing trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

China’s Ministry of Commerce said the probes will examine policies and measures implemented by Washington that it believes limit the entry of Chinese products into the US market while also restricting exports of advanced technology from the United States to China.

The investigations will also focus on whether certain US measures have hindered international trade in green energy products, an area in which China has become a dominant global manufacturer. Beijing argues that these restrictions may damage the interests of Chinese companies and disrupt global industrial and supply chains.

According to the ministry, the probes were launched partly in response to investigations initiated earlier by the United States. Washington recently opened inquiries into industrial overcapacity and alleged forced labour issues involving multiple trading partners, including China.

Chinese officials said the new investigations are aimed at safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese industries while responding to what Beijing describes as unfair trade practices. The ministry added that once the investigations are completed, China may take “corresponding measures” depending on the findings.

The probes are expected to take up to six months to complete, though authorities indicated the process could be extended if additional time is required to fully evaluate the impact of the US policies. Analysts say the investigations may serve as leverage in broader economic negotiations between the two countries.

The move highlights the fragile state of US-China economic relations, which have been marked by years of disputes over tariffs, technology restrictions, supply chains and market access. While both governments reached a temporary trade truce in late 2025, tensions remain as each side continues to scrutinise the other’s economic policies.

Experts note that the investigations could influence future negotiations between Beijing and Washington, especially as both countries attempt to balance economic competition with the need to maintain stable global trade relations. The measures also reflect growing competition in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and high-technology industries.

The broader geopolitical environment has also contributed to the rising economic friction. With conflicts in the Middle East affecting global energy markets and uncertainty surrounding international supply chains, both China and the United States are increasingly focused on protecting domestic industries and securing strategic economic advantages.

Economists warn that escalating trade disputes between the two powers could have wider consequences for global markets. Any new tariffs or retaliatory trade measures could disrupt supply chains, increase costs for manufacturers and affect international trade flows

Despite the tensions, officials from both countries have maintained that dialogue remains open and that economic cooperation remains important for global stability. However, analysts say the latest investigations demonstrate that competition between the United States and China is likely to remain a defining feature of the global economic landscape in the years ahead.