Ministry of Commerce

The Chinese government will implement exit bans for citizens who violate export controls or technology transfer rules, as announced by the State Council. The regulations, effective September 15, allow the Ministry of Commerce and other departments to enforce bans if breaches endanger national industrial or technological security.

China denies claims of industrial overcapacity, rejecting U.S. and EU criticisms as unfounded. The U.S. is set to release findings on excess capacity in 16 economies, including China, which could lead to new tariffs. China's Ministry of Commerce and Premier Li Qiang argue that the situation represents a 'China Opportunity 2.0' rather than a threat.

China defended against accusations of industrial overcapacity, citing its trade surplus and rejecting U.S. claims of 'China shock 2.0.' The U.S. is set to release findings on 16 economies' manufacturing capacity, which could lead to new tariffs, while China argues such measures are unfounded and unilateral.

China denied accusations of industrial overcapacity in response to U.S. and European trade measures, asserting its surplus trade results from global demand, not deliberate dumping. The U.S. is investigating 16 countries, including China, for excess capacity, which could lead to new tariffs, while recent U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods over forced labor and the EU's steel and e-commerce import restrictions have drawn Chinese protests.

China added 14 entities from the European Union to its export control list, prohibiting the export of dual-use items to these entities effective immediately.

China and the US are seeking industry feedback on potential bilateral tariff reductions under a newly established trade board, according to China’s commerce ministry. The initiative involves soliciting views from domestic and American firms, business associations, and local governments on tariff reduction arrangements.

China urged stronger cooperation with Kyrgyzstan across the green minerals industrial chain and emphasized the protection of Chinese companies' rights and interests in the country, as stated by the Ministry of Commerce.

China's government expressed 'strong dissatisfaction' over the UK's nationalisation of British Steel, stating the move dealt a 'severe blow' to Chinese companies' confidence in UK investments. The UK government took control of British Steel to prevent its closure and protect 4,000 jobs.

China will adjust its helium export controls in response to global supply shortages, having temporarily suspended overseas shipments. The Ministry of Commerce stated the ban aligns with foreign trade laws and WTO rules, noting China's role as a major helium importer.

China's Ministry of Commerce and eight other authorities released guidelines to revive physical stores by making them 'immersive' and counter e-commerce competition, amid slowing retail sales growth and weakness in big-ticket items.

The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) in Pakistan is proposing to replace monthly tax collection targets with a fiscal-year-based performance evaluation system to reduce short-term pressure on field officers and focus on annual outcomes. The shift aligns with broader tax administration reforms, including centralised technology-driven enforcement and a reallocation of responsibilities to the Tax Policy Office and Tariff Policy Board.

The Pakistani government introduced new directives to clear a backlog of 15,000 used cars at ports by accepting Pre-Shipment Inspection certificates from EAA Company and Auto Terminal Pak, while granting a one-time waiver for vehicles shipped between January 2026 and March 2026. Local automotive industry representatives criticized the policy, warning of Rs22 billion in potential losses and safety risks, as well as economic impacts from increased imports.

Chinese authorities, through the Ministry of Commerce and seven other ministries, released a plan with 17 measures to integrate AI into consumption sectors like retail and consumer goods, aiming to boost growth via smart products, robots, subsidies, infrastructure, and standards.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that the government cannot deny foreign postings to Trade and Investment Officers based on undisclosed intelligence reports, setting aside the Ministry of Commerce's decision. Candidates had completed all selection processes and received approval from the prime minister, but were rejected by a vetting agency's adverse assessment.

China rejected an OECD report claiming its firms receive higher government subsidies than international peers, calling the findings 'one-sided and arbitrary.' The Ministry of Commerce criticized the report's methodology for lacking a unified standard and deviating from WTO consensus, amid escalating EU concerns over Beijing’s industrial policy.

China's Ministry of Commerce has opposed US sanctions against five refineries, claiming the measures violate international law. The refineries are accused of importing Iranian oil, a claim China disputes.