Chinese Premier Li Keqiang called on the United States Tuesday to not act "emotionally" and to avoid a trade war, as President Donald Trump considers new punitive measures against Beijing.

After announcing tariffs on global steel and aluminium imports, Trump is now mulling new actions against China over its "theft" of US intellectual property.

Washington has long accused Beijing of forcing US companies to turn over proprietary commercial information and intellectual property as a condition of operating in China.

But Li pledged that China "will strictly protect intellectual property rights".

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recently proposed a package of $30 billion in tariffs on China but Trump wants it to go higher, according to US media.

The US trade deficit with China ran to a record $375 billion last year -- but US exports to the country were also at a record.

"Nobody will emerge as a winner" from a trade war, Li told a press conference after the country's annual parliament session.

"We hope that both parties can maintain reason, not act emotionally, and avoid a trade war," said Li, who was given a second five-year term by the National People's Congress on Sunday.

Li vowed that China will further open its huge market to foreign firms, and make it easier for companies in the services sector -- such as healthcare, education and finance -- to gain access.

"We will completely open the manufacturing sector. We will not allow the forced transfer of technology," he said.

It is not the first time that Chinese officials have promised to improve access to foreign firms, but US and European companies still complain about major hurdles.

The EU Chamber of Commerce in China summed up the exasperation last year as "promise fatigue" -- a complaint that challenges Xi's image as a champion of globalisation.

US begins tariff exemption process for certain goods
Washington (AFP) March 19, 2018 - The US Commerce Department said Monday it will begin accepting requests Monday to exempt certain products from President Donald Trump's steep new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

The effort is designed to soften the expected impact on prices from the import duties, which Trump imposed earlier this month over the objections of industry, retailers, key members of his administration and major trading partners.

Trade groups have maintained their campaign to dissuade Trump from pressing ahead, arguing the tariffs would expose American companies to "a chain reaction of negative consequences."

The administration has announced initial exemptions for major suppliers including Canada and Mexico.

"These procedures will allow the administration to further hone these tariffs to ensure they protect our national security while also minimizing undue impact on downstream American industries," Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement Sunday

Officials will consider whether the requested exemptions are for goods manufactured in the United States in sufficient quantity and quality before deciding on any tariff exemption, the department said.

But any US individual or organization may object to the exemption setting up a battle between domestic steel and aluminum producers that could benefit from the protective tariffs and companies that rely on imports.

US trade groups urge Trump to stop planned China tariffs
Washington (AFP) March 19, 2018 - Leading US trade associations have written to President Donald Trump urging him to halt plans to slap tariffs on Chinese imports.

The letter, first reported Sunday by the Wall Street Journal, is signed by 45 US trade groups representing everything from the high-tech industry to apparel vendors, agribusiness and auto parts importers.

The trade groups represent companies such as Apple, Alphabet - the parent company of Google - Walmart and Nike.

"The imposition of sweeping tariffs would trigger a chain reaction of negative consequences for the U.S. economy, provoking retaliation; stifling U.S. agriculture, goods, and services exports; and raising costs for businesses and consumers," reads the letter, dated Sunday.

The Trump administration "should not respond to unfair Chinese practices and policies by imposing tariffs or other measures that will harm U.S. companies, workers, farmers, ranchers, consumers, and investors."

US officials should "work with like-minded partners to address common concerns with China's trade and investment policies," the letter reads.

Unilateral US tariffs "would only serve to split the United States from its allies, hinder joint action to effectively address shared challenges, and ensure that foreign companies take the place of markets that American companies, farmers and ranchers must vacate when China retaliates."

It also asked that the administration let "industry experts ... comment on these issues, including the economic impact of any potential actions."

The United States has long accused Beijing of forcing US companies to turn over proprietary commercial information and intellectual property as a condition of operating in China.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recently proposed a package of $30 billion in tariffs on China but Trump wants it to go higher, according to US media.

The US trade deficit with China ran to a record $375 billion last year -- but US exports to the country were also at a record.

Peter Navarro, a senior White House advisor on trade, said Thursday that the president would soon consider fresh punitive measures against Beijing over its "theft" of US intellectual property.

Chinese officials have warned they are likely to retaliate in kind.

With tariffs recently announced on major imports including steel and aluminum, trade war fears have left markets jittery and US trading partners torn between conciliation and pushback in response.

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At G20, US seeks 'like-minded' countries, As Trump eyes China tarrifs
Washington (AFP) March 15, 2018
The United States heads to next week's Group of 20 finance ministers meeting looking for partners in confronting Beijing over its trade practices, a senior Treasury Department official said Thursday. Talks in Buenos Aires between the world's largest advanced and emerging economies will occur amid raw tensions over President Donald Trump's increasingly confrontational trade policies. The White House last week announced a raft of tariffs and is poised to unveil more soon. "We have been working ... read more