China has formally requested dispute consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding recent US tariff measures. According to China, the United States has imposed a 10% additional duty on imports from all trading partners, effective 5 April, as well as a 34% additional duty on imports from China, set to take effect on 9 April. The request for consultations was circulated to WTO members on 8 April.
China contends that these measures violate US commitments under several WTO agreements, including the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, the Agreement on Customs Valuation, and the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures.
The request marks the formal initiation of a WTO dispute. Consultations provide an opportunity for both parties to negotiate and resolve the matter without resorting to litigation. If a resolution is not reached within 60 days, China may escalate the dispute by requesting a WTO panel adjudication.
