China ‘regrets’ Japan’s decision to complain to WTO over stainless steel anti-dumping duties
- Japan confirmed last week it had complained to the body, with the request for consolation officially circulated to World Trade Organization members on Tuesday
- China is already set for a showdown with Australia at the WTO over anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties imposed on Australian barley in May
China said it “regrets” Japan’s decision to complain to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over anti-dumping duties that it has been placing on stainless steel products since July 2019.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry claims it has repeatedly asked China to remove the measures on steel billets, hot-rolled coils and hot-rolled plates through bilateral talks, claiming they appear to be inconsistent with various provisions under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the Anti-Dumping Agreement.
The investigating agency has protected the rights of all parties … According to the findings of the investigation, corresponding trade remedy measures have been taken
“China has received the consultation request from Japan. The anti-dumping case against imported stainless steel originating in Japan is an investigation initiated by the Ministry of Commerce of China after receiving relevant applications from domestic industries,” said Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng on Thursday.
“During the investigation, the investigating agency has protected the rights of all parties and given all parties ample opportunities to participate in the investigation. According to the findings of the investigation, corresponding trade remedy measures have been taken.
“China expresses regrets over Japan’s request for the consultation, and will properly handle it in accordance with the WTO dispute settlement procedures.”