China seeks to join Brazil's WTO case against US forced labour tariffs
On Monday, China signaled its intention to participate in World Trade Organization talks initiated by Brazil concerning US tariffs that may reach up to 37.5 percent. This development, reported by Folha de S. Paulo, originated from a Brazilian government source in Geneva. China contended that such tariffs could impact a vast majority of its exports to the US, despite some exclusions. The recent tariff changes have affected the competitive landscape for Chinese goods in the American market. Additionally, since 2018, China has contested the US's Section 301 of the Trade Act at the WTO, asserting it enables unilateral tariff imposition without international consent.
Key facts
- China requested to join WTO consultations opened by Brazil against US tariffs of up to 37.5 percent.
- The request was filed in Geneva on Monday.
- Beijing cited a substantial commercial interest in the case.
- China argued that Washington could apply comparable measures to Chinese goods.
- The additional duties altered the conditions of competition for Chinese products in the US.
- China's grounds concern its own exports, not Brazilian goods.
- China has challenged Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 at the WTO since 2018.
- The document had not yet appeared in the WTO's public records as of Monday.
Entities
Institutions
- World Trade Organization
- Brazil
- United States
- Folha de S. Paulo
- South China Morning Post
- US Trade Act of 1974
Locations
- Geneva
- Brazil
- China
- United States