http://genevalunch.com/2009/06/24/china-says-export-limits-in-line-with-wto-quotas-as-us-eu-file-complaints/China has reacted to complaints filed by the US and the European Union with Geneva-based WTO (World Trade Organization) Tuesday 23 June, which accuse China of limiting exports of raw materials like zinc and bauxite. China is a major producer of both materials. Chinese news agency Xinhua reports that “China’s export policy is in line with the World Trade Organization rules, said an official with the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday. Export restriction on some industrial material aims to protect the environment and the natural resources, he said.”
”Now more than ever, trade is essential to keep America’s economy afloat,” said Ron Kirk, US trade representative in Washington, commenting on the filings. China thus favours domestic manufacturers, according to the US.
China has complained to the WTO that the US illegally restricts poultry imports from China, originally on health grounds due to avian flu. With the deepest economic downturn in 70 years, many countries are trying to promote domestic industries to the detriment of foreign ones. NYT, FT
Posted by :: Sean Ecker on 24 June 2009 at 8:25