China files WTO complaint over the United States

China files WTO complaint over the United States’ tariff measures on Chinese goods

China has requested consultations with the United States under the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Mechanism regarding the United States’ tariff measures on certain Chinese goods which would allegedly be implemented through Section 301-310 of the US Trade Act of 1974. The request was circulated to WTO members on 5 April.

China claims the tariffs would be in excess of the United States' bound rates and are inconsistent with Article I.1 and Article II.1(a) and (b) of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and Article 23 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding.

Further information is available in document WT/DS543/1
What is a request for consultations?

The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation. After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.

• More on consultations
• Current status of disputes

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