China’s Minister of Commerce said it will deal with a dispute over rice, wheat, and corn import quotas through official channels through the World Trade Organization. In a statement, the Minister said it regretted the U.S. decision to challenge China’s quotas at the World Trade Organization and would deal with the move appropriately. The U.S. says China is not fairly administering its import quotas on corn, rice, and wheat. The U.S. request filed before the WTO says China’s policies impede export opportunities, affecting producers from around the world. Chinese Tariff Rate Quotas were put in place when it joined the WTO back in 2011. U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Tom Sleight says, “We believe in a strong trade policy and market development. These are guiding principles in our trade development with China, a complex and important trading partner for the U.S.” USGC says it believe the WTO provides structure and accountability for global trade and hopes this step, as well as ongoing work in China, will continue to support a long-term and mutually beneficial trading relationship with China.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.