China’s new move against US tariffs: Appeals to the WTO

According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), China’s request for a dispute consultation on the measures, which include the imposition by the United States of a 34 percent tariff on imports from the country effective April 9 and a 10 percent tariff on all trading partners effective April 5, was shared with WTO members today.

In its request, China argued that these measures contravene the United States’ obligations under varioUS provisions of the 1994 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, the Customs Valuation Agreement and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.

How will the process work?

When a country requests consultations, it means that a dispute is formally initiated at the WTO.

The consultations aim to give the parties the opportunity to discuss the issue and find a solution without resorting to litigation. After 60 days, if the consultations have not resolved the dispute, the complaining party can request a decision by a panel at the WTO.