China opens green‑trade probes
China’s commerce ministry launched two investigations into alleged U.S. barriers on green products — targeting solar panels, wind turbines and advanced batteries — as both sides build leverage before President Trump’s planned May visit to Beijing. Analysts warn the tit‑for‑tat probes signal deeper escalation with risks to global supply chains and a possible “domino effect” for the world economy. ( )
China’s Ministry of Commerce said the two trade‑barrier investigations were filed effective March 27, 2026 as Announcement No. 17 and Announcement No. 18. (Ministry of Commerce Announcement No.17/No.18, Mar. 27, 2026: ) Announcement No. 17 expressly opens a probe into U.S. “practices and measures that disrupt global supply chains,” citing preliminary evidence that the U.S. has restricted Chinese products, limited exports of high‑tech goods to China and constrained two‑way investment. (Ministry of Commerce Announcement No.17, Mar. 27, 2026: ) Announcement No. 18 targets U.S. “practices and measures that hinder trade in green products,” listing alleged actions such as restricting exports of green products to the United States, slowing deployment of new energy projects and curbing technology cooperation. (Ministry of Commerce Announcement No.18, Mar. 27, 2026: ) MOFCOM said each case will follow trade‑remedy procedures including questionnaires, hearings and on‑site checks and should be finished within six months, with a possible extension not to exceed three months. (Ministry of Commerce Announcement No.17/No.18, Mar. 27, 2026: ) Beijing framed the probes as a response to U.S. Section 301 trade investigations the U.S. launched on March 11, 2026 that the administration said could cover more than a dozen trading partners and pave the way for new tariffs. (CNBC, Mar. 11, 2026: ) A WTO dispute panel circulated a report on January 30, 2026 finding key U.S. clean‑energy tax credits inconsistent with WTO rules and recommending the U.S. withdraw the ITC/PTC domestic bonus credits by October 1, 2026. (South China Morning Post, Jan. 31, 2026: ) Industry data underline the stakes for global supply chains: Wood Mackenzie estimated China would hold over 80% of global polysilicon‑to‑module solar manufacturing capacity through 2023–26, and SNE Research data show Chinese battery makers accounted for roughly 70% of global automotive battery installations in 2025. (Wood Mackenzie, Nov. 7, 2023: SNE Research via reporting, 2025–2026: )
