China files WTO complaint against US, EU over price comparison methodologies

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) deals with the global rules of trade between nations. Its main function is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably and freely as possible.On 12 December 2016 China notified the WTO Secretariat that it had requested dispute consultations with the United States and the European Union regarding special calculation methodologies used by the US and EU in anti-dumping proceedings.

China argued that it was automatically entitled to market economy status from the 11 December 2016 according to the terms of its accession agreement to the WTO in 2001. This would then force other WTO members to switch to a new anti-dumping methodology in allegations of anti-dumping against China.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: EU strength and weakness facing China http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-strength-and-weakness-facing-china/

ESO: Background information: College orientation debate on the treatment of China in anti-dumping investigations http://www.europeansources.info/record/college-orientation-debate-on-the-treatment-of-china-in-anti-dumping-investigations/

ESO: Commission proposes changes to the EU's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy legislation http://www.europeansources.info/showDoc?ID=1217725

EurActiv, 12.12.16: China starts trade battle over Market Economy Status http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/news/china-starts-trade-battle-over-market-economy-status/

Politico, 12.12.16: China goes to war with EU and US on trading status http://www.politico.eu/article/china-goes-to-war-on-market-economy-status/

Deutsche Welle, 09.12.16: China's dream of a 'market economy' remains unfulfilled - for now http://dw.com/p/2U15O

Deutsche Welle, 11.12.16: Key clause for China WTO market economy status expires http://dw.com/p/2U6ev

EurActiv, 13.12.16: EU squares up for battle over Chinese dumping http://www.euractiv.com/section/trade-society/news/eu-squares-up-for-battle-over-chinese-dumping/

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