WTO panel to probe U.S. anti-dumping duties on Chinese exports

GENEVA, Jan. 20 (Chinese media) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) decided on

Tuesday to establish an expert panel to investigate the legitimacy of U.S.

anti-dumping and countervailing duties on Chinese exports.

The decision was made following a request by China, which has expressed

deep concerns about the compatibility of the measures with U.S. obligations in

the WTO.

It usually takes 45 days for the settlement body to set up an expert panel

and at least another six months for the panel to issue its final ruling on a

dispute in accordance with WTO rules.

The U.S. duties at issue affect such Chinese products as circular welded

carbon quality steel pipe, new pneumatic off-the-road tires, light-walled

rectangular pipe and tube, and laminated woven sacks.

China filed complaints with the WTO about the U.S. measures last September.

Consultations between the two sides were held Nov.14, according to the WTO

dispute settlement process, but failed to resolve the issue.