U.S. Seeks WTO Consultations With China Over Alleged Prohibited Export Subsidy

The Obama administration on Wednesday (Feb. 11) took the first step toward launching a new case against China at the World Trade Organization by requesting consultations over a program supporting Chinese manufacturers and producers in seven sectors that the U.S. claims provided more than $1 billion in prohibited export subsidies in violation of trade rules. The U.S. became aware of the new program, which covers sectors such as textiles and agriculture but not autos, while engaged in an earlier set...