China extends US trade barrier investigations to December 27 amid ongoing talks

In a major political move, China has extended two ongoing trade barrier investigations into United States trade practices by three months, pushing the new conclusion deadline to December 27.

According to statements released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the extensions were granted due to the inherent complexity of the cases. The probes, which were originally launched on March 27, target U.S. measures that Beijing contends disrupt global industrial and supply chains while obstructing trade in green products.

The investigations serve as counter-measures to U.S. Section 301 probes focusing on industrial overcapacity and forced labor allegations. Analysts note that the decision to extend the review window follows recent high-level bilateral talks and a reciprocal agreement between Washington and Beijing to prolong their broader trade truce and maintain targeted tariff reductions.

The ministry said the decisions were made given the complexity of the cases, two separate statements, both dated September 27, showed.

The announcements came days after China and the US held new trade talks and agreed to a two-month extension of their trade truce through to January 10 and tariff cuts on $60 billion of goods.

The two trade barrier investigations were initially launched on March 27 and were looking into US trade practices and measures that "disrupt global supply and industrial chains" and "hinder trade in green products".

They were counter-probes to US Section 301 investigations over forced labour and excess industrial capacity and were originally scheduled to conclude within six months, but could be extended.

By delaying the conclusion of these proceedings, Beijing preserves strategic flexibility at the negotiating table as both superpowers continue ongoing economic and diplomatic consultations.