DistantNews
Support us
China Warns of Retaliation over French Law to Curb Fast Fashion
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Culture & Society

China Warns of Retaliation over French Law to Curb Fast Fashion

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • China has warned France of potential retaliation against a new law targeting fast fashion, calling it discriminatory.
  • The French law, set to impose per-item fees from September 1, targets major Asian e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
  • Beijing argues the law violates WTO principles and urges France to correct its "discriminatory practices."

China has issued a stern warning to France, threatening retaliation over a new law designed to curb the growth of fast fashion. Beijing has labeled the legislation "discriminatory" and a violation of international trade principles. The French law, passed late last month and scheduled to take effect on September 1, will introduce per-item fees aimed at major Asian e-commerce platforms, including Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.

under the guise of setting so-called 'environmental protection' and 'sustainability' standards, is in reality implementing exclusionary measures

— Unidentified spokesperson for Beijing's commerce ministryDescribing the French law's perceived intent.

An unidentified spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce stated that the law, while ostensibly promoting "environmental protection" and "sustainability," is in reality an exclusionary measure. The spokesperson asserted that the regulation likely contravenes the World Trade Organization's non-discrimination principle and constitutes a trade barrier against China. Beijing is urging France to comply with WTO rules and immediately cease these "discriminatory practices."

suspected of violating the (World Trade Organization)'s non-discrimination principle and constitutes a trade barrier against China

— Unidentified spokesperson for Beijing's commerce ministryOutlining China's legal objections to the French law.

The French penalties will apply to mass-produced textile products and are set to increase over time. The new law also includes a ban on advertising for cheap, mass-produced clothing brands, extending to social media influencers. French Trade Minister Serge Papin identified the three Asian firms as the primary targets, attributing the surge in "ultra-fast fashion" to their business models.

We urge France to abide by WTO rules (and) immediately correct the discriminatory practices

— Unidentified spokesperson for Beijing's commerce ministryStating China's demands to France.

However, the legislation has faced criticism within France for exempting European and French companies like Zara and Kiabi. Furthermore, the European Commission has raised questions about whether the advertising provisions of the bill align with existing EU law.

necessary measures to retaliate should the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms be infringed upon

— Unidentified spokesperson for Beijing's commerce ministryWarning of potential Chinese retaliation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog