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WTO: 2009 NEWS ITEMS

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NOTE:
This summary has been prepared by the WTO Secretariat’s Information and External Relations Division to help public understanding about developments in WTO disputes. It is not a legal interpretation of the issues, and it is not intended as a complete account of the issues. These can be found in the reports themselves and in the minutes of the Dispute Settlement Body’s meetings.

Panel establishment back to top

DS397: European Communities — Definitive Anti-dumping measures on certain iron and steel fasteners from China

At China’s first time request (WT/DS397/3) and without any objections from the EC, a panel was established to review anti-dumping measures taken by the EC affecting imports of iron and steel fasteners.

China said that the EC’s measures nullified or impaired the benefits China enjoyed under the Anti-dumping Agreement. China urged the EC to promptly withdraw measures inconsistent with the WTO and to cease the disturbance in Sino-EC trade.

The EC recalled that anti-dumping measures were not about protectionism, but about fighting unfair trade. The EC said that it strictly followed the applicable WTO rules in all its anti-dumping cases. The EC said it was strongly convinced of the strength of its case. The EC added that it had at this point no hope for a mutually agreed solution and this was the reason why the EC accepted the establishment of a panel.

Thailand, Canada, the US, Chinese Taipei, India and Japan reserved their third-party rights.

Other business: Beef hormones case — Statement by Australia  back to top

DS26: European Communities — Measures concerning meat and meat products (hormones)

The EC and the US had concluded an agreement in May 2009 to resolve this dispute. Both parties had notified the agreement to the WTO on 30 September 2009 (WT/DS26/28).

At the meeting, Australia recognised that the agreement sought to find a way forward in the long-running beef hormones dispute. Australia noted that the agreement established a new tariff rate quota for high quality beef which opened in August 2009. Australia welcomed the EC’s assurances that the quota was non-discriminatory and based on MFN but noted that to date only the US had secured access to the quota and had started exporting. Australia concluded that it was looking forward to work constructively with the EC to ensure the quota was open to all.

New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay made similar statements.

The EC reassured members that the quota was based on a definition that could be used by all on a non-discriminatory bases.

The US added that any beef meeting the definition of high quality beef that covered the cattle's diet, age and quality, could be eligible to the quota — regardless of the product's country of origin.

Next meeting  back to top

The next meeting of the DSB will be held on 19 November 2009.

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