In response to a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court declaring tariffs imposed by the Trump administration illegal, China has demanded the cancellation of a 15% tariff on imports worldwide that was introduced by Trump. On the 23rd, a spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce stated their attention to the ruling and emphasized a complete assessment of the implications. The U.S. is urged to cancel these unilateral tariff increases that affect trading partners, while China indicated its resolve to safeguard its interests amidst ongoing trade tensions.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on the 20th that the tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. In retaliation, Trump announced the new global 15% tariff citing the Trade Law 122, which permits such actions in cases of serious trade deficits. The spokesperson reiterated China's longstanding opposition to unilateral tariff hikes, emphasizing that no side wins in a trade war and highlighting the contradictions with both international economic rules and U.S. domestic law. As a result of the ruling, previously negotiated tariffs of 10% between the U.S. and China have been lifted.

China's relatively textbook response can be interpreted as influenced by Trump's upcoming visit to China from March 31 to April 2, signaling potential backend negotiations for a U.S.-China summit. While the new 15% tariff will be applied for 150 days starting from the 24th, the rates calculated by trade categories have reportedly decreased by 7.1 percentage points compared to before the ruling, indicating a strategic maneuver ahead of significant diplomatic engagements with the U.S. government.