Japan has requested World Trade Organisation (WTO) to set up a panel to look into China’s anti-dumping (AD) measures against stainless steel exports originating from Japan.
The Government of Japan believes the Chinese measures are inconsistent with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 (GATT 1994) and the Agreement on Implementation of Article VI of the GATT 1994. Japan placed an official request for the panel on Aug 19 to resolve disputes arising from China imposing AD duties on SS imported from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, and the EU. China claimed its domestic industry was being injured by these imports.
Japan contends the duties are inconsistent due to flaws in the Chinese authorities’ determination and investigation procedures. Japan has asked China to abolish the AD duties at bilateral meetings. Japan and China also held consultations on July 19 after a complaint was filed to the WTO in June, but the dispute was not resolved. Hence, Japan decided to call for a panel under the WTO Agreement to pursue an appropriate solution.