WTO Issues Involving the U.S. for September 15-30, 2008
The World Trade Organization has posted documents on WTO issues involving the U.S. and for the period of September 15-30, 2008 as follows:
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Disputes Involving the U.S.
U.S.-China audiovisual/entertainment products dispute. The WTO reports that the panel in the U.S.-China dispute, "Measures Affecting Trading Rights and Distribution Services for Certain Publications and Audiovisual Entertainment Products" (DS363), will not be able to complete its work within six months from the date of the panel's composition (March 27, 2008). The panel estimates that it will issue its final report to the parties to the dispute in February 2009. (Posted 09/23/08)
U.S.-India dispute on additional duties. The U.S. notified the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on August 1, 2008 of its decision to appeal certain issues of law covered in the Panel Report in the dispute "India - Additional and Extra-Additional Duties on Imports from the U.S." (DS360). Due to the time required for completion and translation of the report, the Appellate Body will not be able to circulate its report by September 30, 2008, but estimates that it will be circulated to WTO members no later than October 30, 2008. (Posted 09/26/09)
EC-Ecuador banana dispute. On August 28, 2008, the European Communities (EC) filed an appeal requesting that the Appellate Body review certain findings and conclusions of the panel in the dispute "European Communities - Regime for the Importation, Sale and Distribution of Bananas" (DS27). Ecuador states that if, as a result of its review of any of the matters appealed by the EC, the Appellate Body considers that the panel's conclusion that the EC's applied duty on bananas is inconsistent with the first sentence of Article II:1(b) of the GATT 1994 is not justified on the bases found by the panel, then it appeals certain listed issues of law and legal interpretation in the report of the panel.
(Note that the U.S. does not export bananas to the EU itself, but three of the largest producers with plantations in Latin America are U.S.-based multinationals (Chiquita, Del Monte, and Dole).
Requests for Consultations with U.S.
China has requested consultations with the U.S. on the anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. pursuant to the final AD and CV duty determinations and orders issued by the US Department of Commerce in the investigations of Circular Welded Carbon Quality Steel Pipe from China, Certain New Pneumatic Off-the-Road Tires from China, Light-Walled Rectangular Pipe and Tube from China, and Laminated Woven Sacks from China. (Posted 09/22/08)
Response to U.S. Questions
Vietnam's responses on IPR legislation. The WTO has posted Vietnam's answers to questions posed by the U.S., the European Communities, Japan, Switzerland, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Pengu, Kinmen and Matsu regarding a review of certain intellectual property rights legislation in Vietnam. (Posted 09/23/08)
Multiple Country Actions Involving U.S.
Various countries' preliminary and final AD actions - The WTO has posted reports received during August 2008 from Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Korea, Mexico, Pakistan, Ukraine and the U.S. concerning those countries' preliminary and final anti-dumping actions. (Posted 09/18/08)
Documents are available on the WTO's document Web site available at http://docsonline.wto.org/gen_home.asp?language=1&_=1 by searching on the above dates and typing "United States" in the country field.