China Joins Canada , the E.U. and other WTO Members in Interim Alternative Trade Dispute Process

As of December, the World Trade Organization (WTO) appellate body no longer has enough members to hear new appeals. Over the past several years, the U.S. has refused to agree to the appointment of new adjudicators until its concerns about the existing process, which includes China’s membership in the WTO, are addressed. Canada’s appeal against the US softwood lumber duties is among the cases unable to be heard until new members are approved for the appellate body. To work around the standoff, Canada and the E.U. have created an interim arrangement for the resolution of trade dispute. China, as well as 16 other WTO members have also agreed to join in this interim plan.