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- On 15 January, the US announced changes to the products affected by retaliatory tariffs in the beef-hormones dispute. Although the move did not alter the amount of WTO-sanctioned retaliation (US$116.9 million), more than 40 new products were slated for 100-percent tariffs (French Roquefort cheese faced a 300-percent tariff). The EU initially announced it would challenge the retaliation list change at the WTO. That decision, however, has been put on hold amidst new signs that the long-running dispute could be resolved through negotiation. The EU has reportedly offered to double the United States’ current import quota for non-hormone-treated beef in return for the US ending the sanctions. However, there is no question of the EU lifting its 20-year-old import ban on hormone-treated beef, which it insists is fully WTO-consistent (Bridges Year 12 No.6 page 14).
- On 20 January, the Dispute Settlement Body established a panel requested by China on US anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese steel products, tyres and sacks (Bridges Year 12 No.6 page 15). The three-member panel was constituted on 4 March, setting the clock ticking for a ruling in early October.
- The panel report on China’s treatment of publications and audiovisual entertainment products - originally due in September 2008 - will be delayed until May. At issue is China’s requirement that DVDs, videos, sound recordings, books and magazines be imported and distributed by state-designated and/or state-owned companies. The US claims that the measures restrict exporters’ right to trade, as well as discriminate against foreign distribution services providers.
- Nine countries have reserved third party rights in the dispute launched by the US and Mexico in December against China’s alleged subsidisation of so-called ‘famous brand’ products (Bridges Year 12 No.6 page 15). No panel has yet been established, although the complainants could have requested one in February.
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