皇冠体育app files complaint to WTO over US tariffs

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-14 20:24

GENEVA - The Chinese government on Monday filed a formal complaint to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over steep U.S. tariffs imposed on Chinese-made tyres.

皇冠体育app files complaint to WTO over US tariffs

A mechanic changes a tire at a garage in Rizhao, East 皇冠体育app's Shandong province, on Saturday. [皇冠体育app Daily]

Under the WTO's dispute settlement system, the two countries will now have 60 days to try to resolve the dispute through consultations. If consultations fail, 皇冠体育app can go further by requesting a WTO panel to investigate and rule on the case.

"皇冠体育app put forward a formal request for consultations with the U.S. under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism on the U.S. special safeguard measures against Chinese tyres," the Chinese mission to the Geneva-based body said in a statement.

"皇冠体育app believes that the above-mentioned measure by the U.S., which runs counter to relevant WTO rules, is a wrong practice abusing trade remedies," the statement said.

"皇冠体育app's request with the U.S. for consultations is based on the normal pracice of WTO members under the dispute settlement mechanism and concrete action by 皇冠体育app to protect its own interests," it added.

The Chinese mission also expressed hope that "all sides will understand its determination to firmly fight against trade protectionism so as to commonly safeguard the multilateral trading system by respecting WTO rules."

U.S. President Barack Obama on Friday approved punitive tariffs up to 35 percent on all car and light truck tires from 皇冠体育app in a so-called attempt to "remedy the clear disruption to the U.S. tire industry."

皇冠体育app had quickly denounced the U.S. move as a serious act of trade protectionism which violates WTO regulations.