EU launched third WTO case against China’s export restrictions of raw materials

Today the EU launched a new case – the third – against China’s export restrictions policy in the area of raw materials, targeting graphite, cobalt, copper, lead, chromium, magnesia, talcum, tantalum, tin, antimony and indium.

Reacting to this launch, Markus J. Beyrer, Director General of BusinessEurope stated:

“Today the EU launched a new case against export duties and export quotas imposed by China on raw materials that are critical for the competitiveness of the European industry. BusinessEurope welcomes the move, which gives a strong signal to our partners that the respect of multilateral trading rules is incontestable and that the EU is ready to act to defend its interests.”

If consultations between the EU and China fail after the completion of a period of 60 days, then the EU may request for a panel to be established, under the WTO Dispute Settlement Body procedures. BusinessEurope will continue to watch closely the development of the case.