China denounces US tariff policies at WTO meeting

GENEVA: The U.S.' so-called "reciprocal tariffs" imposed on all its trading partners has severely undermined multilateral trading system, impacted the global economy, and harmed the interests of developing countries, the Chinese side said during the second General Council meeting of the WTO in 2025 held in Geneva, Switzerland from Tuesday to Wednesday.

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China and over 100 WTO members criticised US unilateral tariffs, urging support for fair, transparent global trade rules.
China called for WTO reform to promote open, cooperative trade and resist protectionism and economic fragmentation.
WTO's Director-General urged the US to engage in dialogue to reduce global trade tensions and restore cooperation.

China called on WTO members to uphold and strengthen the organization's core values and fundamental principles to effectively oppose unilateralism and protectionism, including the U.S.' so-called reciprocal tariffs.

At the same time, China urged WTO members to commit themselves to moving ahead with restructuring global trade, reshaping industrial and supply chains through opening up and cooperation, lowering trade barriers on the basis of mutual respect and mutual benefit, and exploring new trade growth opportunities.

The European Union (EU) said that it is inadvisable for the United States to attempt addressing its domestic macroeconomic imbalances through tariffs. All WTO members have been affected by U.S. unilateral tariff measures. Coupled with a lack of transparency in certain policies, these actions are exacerbating risks in global trade, including heightened uncertainty, supply chain disruptions, increased economic costs, and the fragmentation of trade rules.

Representatives from dozens of WTO members including the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia, jointly criticized U.S. unilateral tariff measures on behalf of over 100 member states.

Director-General of the WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged the United States to engage in constructive dialogue with all parties.