WTO says 15 months is a reasonable period of time for U.S. to make changes

On Jan. 19, a World Trade Organization (WTO) arbitrator ruled that 15 months was a “reasonable period of time” for the U.S. to implement the recommendations and rulings of the Dispute Settlement Body made in a prior anti-dumping case involving China. In the original complaint, dated Dec. 3, 2013, China questioned the U.S.’ use of certain methodologies in anti-dumping investigations involving Chinese products. China claimed that the measures were inconsistent with the U.S.’ WTO obligations and rules. WTO’s arbitration wing ruled in favor of China, and the U.S. agreed to recommendations for changes to its methodologies, but said it needed a “reasonable period of time” to make the changes. China requested this be defined. — WLJ