Posted on 25 Feb 2016
China suggested talks between the government and Chinese firms and the European Union to solve trade disputes between the two regions over community imports of steel from the Asian country.
Chinese Trade Minister Gao Hucheng, at a press conference, spoke of the need to sit for talks on the issue, while, at the same time, defending China’s right to respond to the accusations by European firms.
On Feb. 12, the European Commission opened investigations into three steel products imported from China to determine if they were introduced into the community market via dumping (sale below market price).
Gao clarified that it is a case of market behavior and not of the government and added that China reserved the right to respond according to WTO (World Trade Organization) norms.
He also linked the trade frictions to the excessive availability of steel in the world, terming it a global problem that requires a collaborative solution.
