The United States is considering additional tariffs on China’s steel industry. In this regard, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said that China will also take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

China is currently the world’s largest producer of steel and aluminum. The US and EU are considering new climate tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum. The new tariff framework was proposed within the Biden administration and will be formulated on the basis of the relevant agreement between the United States and Europe last year, mainly targeting China and other major emitters.

The U.S. is not likely to reach an agreement with the EU until the end of next year at the earliest, including details such as thresholds for imposing tariffs, according to people familiar with the matter. According to reports, the move means that the United States and Europe will seek to use tariffs, a tool usually used in trade disputes, to advance their climate agenda.