WTO to create Dispute-Settlement panel in May

WTO to create Dispute-Settlement panel in May

The WTO is planning to create a dispute-settlment panel later this month to deal with the anti-dumping tariff conflict between the U.S. and Japan, trade sources report. The panel will have adjudicating power and examine Japan's claim that the U.S. is keeping anti-dumping tariffs in place beyond WTO-mandated guidelines without justification. Japan maintains that the U.S. position is illegal and has requested a dispute panel when the WTO meets on May 22. Since Japan previously requested the panel, the WTO is required to comply. Toyko and Washington are also in a deadlock over emergency import tariffs on steel products that were imposed by the U.S. on March 22 as well as an anti-dumping law known as the Byrd Amendment. Japan reiterates that the U.S. is violating WTO provisions.