China extended two investigations into US trade practices by three months

China's Ministry of Commerce has extended the timeline for two investigations into US trade practices by three months. The investigations, which began in March, were originally scheduled to conclude within six months, but the deadline has now been pushed back to December 27. The ministry stated that the decision was driven by the complexity of the cases.

The two investigations were launched on March 27 and examine US trade policies and measures that, in China's assessment, disrupt global supply and industrial chains and hinder trade in green products. Both cases are currently listed as ongoing investigations in China's official trade remedies database.

The decision to extend the investigations was announced just days after the latest round of trade talks between China and the US. The two sides agreed to extend their trade truce by two months, until January 10, and to reduce tariffs on goods worth a combined $60 billion.

China's investigations are viewed as a response to the so-called Section 301 investigations conducted by the US. Washington's inquiries cover issues including forced labor and excess production capacity.

Although the recent talks created some possibility of easing trade tensions between the two countries, the continuation of the ongoing investigations suggests that disagreements between Washington and Beijing on a number of trade issues remain unresolved.