The World Trade Organization‘s Dispute Resolution Body agreed to establish a panel to examine China’s imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imported wine from Australia.
It was the second time Australia sought a panel to examine China’s imposition of anti-dumping and countervailing duties on imported Australian wine. Australia’s first request was blocked by China at the DSB meeting on Sept. 27.
Australia said that while it remains ready to engage in bilateral discussion with China, Australia is disappointed that it is not seeing any concrete steps by China to respond to its concerns. As a result, Australia is again requesting the establishment of a panel to examine the matter. Australia values its community and economic ties with China and remains open to further discussions with China, with a view to resolving the issues Australia has raised.
China said it regrets that Australia has decided to submit a second request for a panel. China said it will vigorously defend its legitimate measures in the proceedings and is confident they are consistent with relevant WTO rules. China remains open to further engagement with Australia in good faith, with a view to positively resolving this dispute.
The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. Canada, Japan, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Ukraine, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, India, Singapore, Russia, the European Union, and Viet Nam reserved their third party rights to take part in the proceedings.