GreenergyDaily

Mar. 27, 2026

China launched a pair of investigations into US practices concerning supply chains and renewable products, in retaliation of US trade probes ahead of an expected presidential summit.

The move, announced by the Ministry of Commerce on Friday, is a direct mirror of Washington’s Section 301 investigations. The White House has turned to the legal mechanism to revive US President Donald Trump’s tariff agenda after the Supreme Court struck down some of his duties.

The measures come days after the US said Trump will travel to China in mid-May. The investigation carries a six-month deadline, with a possible three-month extension, giving Beijing a legal justification for future countermeasures and leverage ahead of any talks.

Each investigation carries a six-month deadline, with a possible three-month extension, giving Beijing a legal justification for future countermeasures and leverage ahead of any talks.

The first probe targets US practices that Beijing said disrupt global supply chains, covering restrictions on Chinese goods entering American markets, export controls on advanced technology and limits on bilateral investment in critical sectors.

China's second investigation focuses specifically on what it describes as American barriers to trade in green products, including restrictions on exports of Chinese renewable goods to the US and limits on cooperation in green technology.

The Commerce Ministry said some measures in both probes may violate WTO rules and treaties both countries have jointly signed.