This past week, CTM covered the following issues. In China: * New tariff law * Blinken's China trip * MOFCOM comments on overcapacity in new energy sector and Japan’s export control proposal * SPS announcements In the U.S.: * Democratic Senators weigh in on Section 301 tariff review * Federal Reserve paper

With one U.S. investment already in place, a major Chinese solar manufacturing executive made comments recently indicating that the Chinese industry may have to expand these investments in order to sell in the U.S. market.

The China-Ecuador Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force on May 1 after both sides finished their domestic legal procedures. The agreement would lower tariffs for Chinese steel and autos over time.

As the U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR) continues its review of the Section 301 tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on the basis of China’s policies in the area of intellectual property, technology transfer, and innovation, a group of seven Democratic Senators, led by Sherrod Brown

In April, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) made the following announcements, opening its market to seafood and fruit from some South American and other countries, and lifting some import bans that had been imposed due to animal diseases.

Last Friday, China passed its first Tariff Law, which contains language providing for retaliatory measures including tariffs against any violations of World Trade Organization rules and other bilateral and regional agreements.

A dispute between the Peruvian government and a Chinese company building a port in Peru has taken the first step towards an investment arbitration proceeding, although there is still time for the parties to work out their differences.