US accuses China of failing to meet commitments to WTO

The U.S. will look into new ways to address trade practices in China after accusing it on Wednesday of falling short of promises made to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“China’s leadership appears confident in its state-led, non-market approach to the economy and trade and feels no need to conform to global norms,” the annual report on China’s WTO compliance said. 

The report, from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, accused China of violating its promise to the WTO to keep its markets open to foreign competition. China made that commitment in 2001 when it joined the group, which is made up of over 160 countries. 

In the report, the U.S. said subsidies and regulations in China favor domestic companies at foreign competition’s expense. It added that the U.S. would speak with Beijing about “obtaining real change in its economic and trade regime.”

Though details were not provided, the report noted that the U.S. would look “to use domestic trade tools strategically as needed in order to achieve a more level playing field with China for U.S. workers and businesses.’’

“China has instead retained and expanded its state-led, non-market approach to the economy and trade,” U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai told The Associated Press. “China’s policies and practices challenge the premise of the WTO’s rules and cause serious harm to workers and businesses around the world.’’ 

During the Trump administration, similar complaints were made about China, prompting then-President Trump to impose tariffs, which are still in place under President Biden, on $360 billion of Chinese imports.