China threatens reprisals against France over fast-fashion law

China has warned of possible reprisals against a new French law designed to curb ultra-fast fashion, calling it discriminatory and a trade barrier. The law, approved by the French Parliament last month and effective September 1, imposes financial penalties on certain textile products and primarily targets Asian e-commerce giants Shein, Temu, and AliExpress Source: larepublicaco.

Chinese response

An unnamed spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said the law "under the excuse of establishing so-called 'environmental protection' and 'sustainability' standards, actually implements exclusionary measures" Source: diariolibree. The spokesperson argued the law could violate the WTO's non-discrimination principle and "constitutes a trade barrier against China" Source: infobae. China vowed to "take resolute measures" to protect its companies' interests Source: infobae.

French position

French Commerce Minister Serge Papin stated last month that Shein, Temu, and AliExpress are the main targets of the law, accusing them of driving ultra-fast fashion Source: larepublicaco. The law also bans advertising for cheap, mass-produced clothing, including influencer promotions Source: diariolibree.

Broader context

The threat comes amid heightened EU-China trade tensions. The European Commission recently fined AliExpress €550 million for failing to combat illegal product sales, a decision AliExpress says it will appeal Source: infobae.