After Loss to China, U.S. Files WTO Appeal

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – The United States notified the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) Monday of its decision to appeal the panel report in a case brought by China regarding tariffs. The case, in which the WTO ruled against the U.S., was filed by the Chinese following hefty tariffs imposed by President Trump two years ago. There is a bit of irony in the latest decision, as the Dispute Settlement Body does not have any members currently available to hear the appeal because every potential nominee has been blocked by the U.S. in an attempt to force a major overhaul of the WTO. The latest loss, however, highlights the concerns the United States has had with the WTO where administration officials argue the international organization targets the U.S. “unfairly” while allowing other countries to gloss over obligations – especially China – through the self-defining title of “undeveloped nation”. Given the ongoing lack of agreement among WTO Members regarding the filling of Appellate Body vacancies, there is no path forward at the current time to deal with the appeal.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)