Ministry of Commerce: Adequate supply in the national necessities market, prices are generally stable

The Zhitong Finance App learned that on December 25, the Ministry of Commerce held a regular press conference. Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yongqian said that currently, according to big business data, there is sufficient supply in the national necessities market, and prices are generally stable. The new year is coming soon, and we are facing the traditional peak consumption season. The Ministry of Commerce is earnestly implementing the arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, taking into account the characteristics of holiday consumption and the needs of the masses, to guide local commercial authorities to take stronger measures to make every effort to promote consumption and ensure market supply at the end of the year and the beginning of the New Year.

The original text is as follows:

Ministry of Commerce holds regular press conference

[He Yongqian]: Dear Journalists and Friends:

Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to the Ministry of Commerce's regular press conference. I don't have any information I need to share with you today. Willing to answer questions raised by journalists and friends.

Please ask questions below.

[Xinhua News Agency, Xinhua Finance Reporter]: In response to the upcoming peak consumption season of New Year's Day and Spring Festival, what are the specific arrangements of the Ministry of Commerce to strengthen the insurance and supply of necessities of life? At the end of the year and the beginning of the New Year, what other measures are there to promote consumption and benefit people's livelihood. Can you introduce the situation?

[He Yongqian]: The new year is coming soon, and we will also usher in the traditional peak consumption season. The Ministry of Commerce is earnestly implementing the arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the State Council, taking into account the characteristics of holiday consumption and the needs of the masses, to guide local commercial authorities to take stronger measures to make every effort to promote consumption and ensure market supply at the end of the year and the beginning of the year. The focus is on the following four aspects.

The first is to plan rich and exciting consumer activities in advance. Deeply implement special actions to boost consumption, and organize and carry out a series of consumer expansion activities such as the Lunar New Year consumer season, online New Year's goods festival, and long-established brand carnivals. We will promote “policy+activity” two-wheel drive, innovate and create diversified consumption scenarios, expand the supply of high-quality products and services, and better meet the holiday consumption needs of urban and rural residents.

The second is to strengthen big data monitoring of the necessities of life market. Launch a daily monitoring and reporting system for the necessities of life market, increase the frequency of dynamic monitoring and information technology support, strengthen market analysis and forecasting, and publish authoritative information through multiple channels.

The third is to do a good job of guaranteeing market supply. Guide wholesale agricultural products markets, large supermarket chains, etc. in various regions to organize marketable supplies in major production areas, strengthen production and marketing links, and establish stable direct supply channels. Guide commercial distribution enterprises, in line with actual local demand, and focus on increasing the stocking volume of products such as meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables, and aquatic products.

Fourth, guide the creation of a strong holiday atmosphere. Encourage key supermarkets, shopping centers, etc. to extend business hours appropriately, innovate themed events, enrich scene arrangements, and enhance the holiday atmosphere. Support e-commerce platforms and logistics companies to rationally arrange transportation capacity to guarantee holiday delivery services.

Currently, according to big business data, there is sufficient supply in the national necessities market, and prices are generally stable. Thank you.

[Cover News Reporter]: According to reports, TikTok has signed agreements with three investors and will establish a new TikTok US joint venture to ensure that it continues to operate in the US. What comments does the speaker have on this?

[He Yongqian]: In order to implement the important agreement of the heads of state of China and the US, the economic and trade teams of the two sides previously reached a basic framework agreement on the proper resolution of TikTok and other issues through cooperation based on mutual respect and equal consultation. The Chinese government wants enterprises to reach solutions that comply with Chinese laws and regulations and balance interests. We hope that the US side and China will move in the opposite direction, effectively fulfill their corresponding commitments, provide a fair, open, transparent and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese enterprises to continue to operate steadily in the US, and promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of Sino-US economic and trade relations. Thank you.

[Phoenix TV Reporter]: The United States recently ordered a blockade of all sanctioned tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, and has already intercepted three tankers. China is one of the main buyers of Venezuelan crude oil. What impact will this move have on China's crude oil trade? What is China's Ministry of Commerce's response to the US move?

[He Yongqian]: China has always resolutely opposed the abusive application of unilateral sanctions and so-called “long-arm jurisdiction” by the countries concerned. Arbitrary interceptions of other countries' tankers may not only disrupt the normal operation of the international energy market, but may also trigger other safety risks. It is normal, reasonable and legal for Venezuela to engage in economic and trade cooperation with other countries within the framework of international law; this right should be respected and supported. Thank you.

[Southern Metropolis Daily Reporter]: On December 23, EST, the Office of the United States Trade Representative released the results of the 301 investigation into China's semiconductor policy and announced the imposition of 301 tariffs on some Chinese semiconductor products. Currently, the tax rate is 0%. The tax rate will be raised 18 months later, that is, in June 2027. What comments does the Commerce Department have on this?

[He Yongqian]: The Chinese side has taken note of the relevant situation and has made serious negotiations with the US through the Sino-US economic and trade negotiation mechanism. The Chinese side does not agree with the so-called conclusion of the US 301 investigation and resolutely opposes the imposition of 301 tariffs by the US on Chinese semiconductor products. Unilateral US tariffs violate WTO rules, disrupt the international economic and trade order, disrupt the global industrial chain supply chain, harm the interests of US companies and consumers, and harm others. The Chinese side urges the US side to correct its erroneous practices and cancel the relevant measures as soon as possible. China is ready to resolve each other's concerns through dialogue and consultation on an equal footing on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation with the US. If the US side insists on harming China's rights and interests, China will resolutely take necessary measures to firmly protect its own rights and interests. Thank you.

[Bloomberg Reporter]: According to some US market sources, China is still restricting some rare earth elements, such as some rare earth magnets, and the US needs these elements to produce permanent magnets. Will the Department of Commerce ease restrictions on the export of rare earth magnets to the US?

[He Yongqian]: I don't know the source of your information. The vast majority of rare earth magnets are general import and export goods, and fluctuations in trade data are a normal market phenomenon. As I have emphasized many times before, China has always been committed to maintaining the safety and stability of the global production and supply chain and actively promoting and facilitating compliant trade. Thank you.

[He Yongqian]: Today is our last regular press conference of the Ministry of Commerce in 2025. We are about to welcome 2026. Thank all our reporters and friends for their attention, support, and active coverage of business journalism over the past year. I wish everyone a happy new year and all the best in advance. Thank you all.

This article was selected from the “Ministry of Commerce” official website, Zhitong Finance Editor: Jiang Yuanhua.