The request is the second filed by Japan concerning support measures for Korea's shipbuilders.  Japan initiated its first WTO complaint in November 2018 (DS571).

Japan claims the challenged measures, which include funds, loans, guarantees, insurance and other financing, are inconsistent with the WTO's Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures (SCM Agreement) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994.

Further information is available in document WT/DS594/1

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