China wins WTO dispute with Australia over steel products
China wins WTO case against Australia over steel tariffs.
- Bilawal Riaz
- 1 min read
China has emerged victorious in a lengthy dispute with Australia at the World Trade Organization regarding tariffs on steel products. The conflict stemmed from a period of strained relations between the two countries. Australia had imposed extra duties on certain Chinese imports, leading China to bring the matter to the WTO in 2021. The WTO panel ruled that Australia’s investigating authority had not acted in accordance with anti-dumping agreement articles. Australia’s trade minister confirmed acceptance of the ruling and reiterated support for a rules-based trading system. Trade tariffs have been a contentious issue in the China-Australia relationship, with China imposing sanctions on Australian goods in 2020. While many tariffs have been removed as relations improved, some, such as those on wine and certain food products, persist. In an effort to mend ties, Australia has paused complaints to the WTO, including one concerning Chinese sanctions on Australian wine.