(MENAFN) China on Thursday strongly criticized the United States’ decision to slap a 50% tariff on copper imports, calling it unjustified and harmful to global trade. The move follows a “national security assessment” cited by Washington as the basis for the new duties.

“We believe that trade wars and tariff wars have no winners and protectionism benefits no one,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated during a live-streamed news briefing from Beijing.

Mao emphasized that China’s stance on such issues has remained “very clear and consistent,” reiterating, “We oppose politicizing economic and trade issues.”

The remarks came as Beijing addressed questions surrounding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration that new tariffs—ranging from 20% to 30%—would be imposed on a wide array of imports from multiple countries, starting August 1.

"I am announcing a 50% TARIFF on Copper, effective August 1, 2025, after receiving a robust NATIONAL SECURITY ASSESSMENT," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.

Trump justified the measure by pointing to copper’s critical role in defense and advanced manufacturing sectors, saying the metal is vital for producing semiconductors, aircraft, naval vessels, ammunition, data centers, lithium-ion batteries, radar, missile defense systems, and hypersonic weapons—“of which we are building many.”

Underscoring the strategic importance of copper, Trump asked, “Why did our foolish (and SLEEPY!) ‘Leaders’ decimate this important Industry?”

Meanwhile, the Philippines also voiced “concern” over newly announced 20% tariffs affecting its exports.

Frederick Go, a senior Philippine official handling investment and economic affairs, revealed that a high-level delegation would visit Washington next week to engage in trade negotiations.

Manila is aiming to achieve “fairer trade terms,” Go stated.

Trade between the U.S. and the Philippines currently stands at approximately $24 billion annually, with the Southeast Asian nation exporting around $14 billion worth of goods and services to the American market.

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