EU officially requests to join the WTO consultation on Chinese subsidies

The delegation of the European Union circulated a communication to the delegation of China, the delegation of the United States and to the Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body officially requesting to join the WTO consultation launched by the US on Chinese subsidies to producers of primary aluminium.


As noted by the EU, “the request for consultations relates to subsidies provided by China to its producers of primary aluminium. The EU is a major global exporter of aluminium and aluminium products. Between 2013 and 2016, the EU has exported worldwide more than 11 million tonnes of aluminium and aluminium products, valued at approximately 40 billion Euros. The subsidies provided by China to its primary aluminium producers may have a substantial impact on the price of primary aluminium in the world market and thus affect global trade flows in aluminium and aluminium products. The EU has therefore a substantial trade interest in these consultations.”

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Gerd Götz, Director General of European Aluminium commented on the development applauding the EU announcement:

“The European aluminium industry welcomes the EU’s decision to join the WTO case launched by the US on Chinese subsidies. China’s subsidies have a detrimental effect on the global aluminium industry as they enable aluminium overcapacity – both primary and semi-fabrication – and depress global prices. With Japan, Canada and Russia also participating in this roundtable discussion, European Aluminium hopes WTO partners will reach an acceptable negotiated solution to the complex issue of subsidies and imbalanced market conditions.”