Beijing Rejects U.S. Transshipment Evasion Claims

China’s commerce ministry has demanded that Washington retract a report alleging the country uses third-party transshipment to dodge import duties. Spokesperson He Yadong dismissed the findings as a calculated distortion, claiming the accusations serve only to stifle Chinese exports and obstruct the operations of domestic trading enterprises.

Editorial·August 20, 2026·reads: 1,494

Beijing Rejects U.S. Transshipment Evasion Claims

The U.S. report estimates an annual loss of $19 billion to $26 billion in revenue resulting from goods routed through third countries to circumvent tariffs. Beijing views these figures as a deliberate misrepresentation of trade data rather than a reflection of economic reality.

This diplomatic friction highlights the deepening strain on bilateral commercial relations. As both nations continue to navigate trade disputes, the dispute over transshipment underscores how accusations of duty evasion are increasingly used as tools to influence international trade policy and restrict market access.