The China Iron and Steel Industry Association (CISA) recently expressed concern over an investigation launched by the U.S. into its steel imports, explaining in a statement that:“This move is a signal of protectionism, which will only violate the principles of fair trade.”

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive memorandum on April 20, requesting that the Department of Commerce investigate America’s steel imports and decide whether such imports should be stalled, in the event that they pose a threat to national security. He emphasized that this investigation is not targeting China.

“China’s steel exports to the U.S are very limited in scale. It shall by no means harm their industrial security. Their steel is mainly supplied by other countries, not China,” a CISA spokesperson added.