2004年-世界发展银行全球_China_in_the_World_Trade_Organization___Antidumping_and_Safeguards_26页_162kb

Summary of "China in the World Trade Organization: Antidumping and Safeguards"

Core Content

This article by Patrick A. Messerlin analyzes China's role in the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding antidumping and safeguard measures. It highlights the asymmetry in the use and targeting of antidumping measures, China's unique position as a primary target of such measures, and the implications of its WTO accession on its exposure to foreign antidumping actions. It also discusses the potential for China to influence WTO antidumping rules through its trade policy and participation in the Doha Round negotiations.

Main Concerns

1. Asymmetry in Antidumping Use and Targeting

   • Antidumping measures are heavily used by only 10 countries, mostly industrialized ones, and these countries are not the primary targets of such measures.
   • China is the main target of antidumping measures, despite being a minor user.
   • The top 10 antidumping users represent 70% of global GDP and 50% of global trade, yet are only targeted by less than a third of all antidumping measures.
   • The share of antidumping measures imposed by developing countries has increased, and their impact on domestic welfare is higher due to more severe duties and a greater number of tariff lines affected.

2. China's Special Situation

   • China's exports are heavily targeted by antidumping measures, especially in sectors like machinery, chemicals, and textiles.
   • China's accession to the WTO included provisions allowing its trading partners to apply special "nonmarket economy" status and "transitional product-specific safeguards" in antidumping investigations for 15 years.
   • The article raises the question of whether China will follow the path of other large developing economies in becoming an intensive user of antidumping measures or instead focus on reforming the system.

3. Sectoral Concentration of Antidumping Measures

   • Antidumping measures are concentrated in a few Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) sections, particularly metals, chemicals, machinery and electrical equipment, textiles and clothing, and plastics.
   • These sectors account for 75% of antidumping measures but only about half of world trade.
   • The high proportion of antidumping cases in these sectors suggests that firms use antidumping as a tool to segment markets and protect their oligopolistic positions.

Key Information

• WTO Accession Impact: China's accession to the WTO did not significantly reduce its exposure to foreign antidumping measures. Instead, it has increased the pressure on Chinese firms due to the concentration of antidumping measures in key export sectors.
• Trade Policy Influence: High tariffs in antidumping-intensive sectors can lead to higher domestic prices, which in turn make dumping claims easier to substantiate, thus increasing the likelihood of antidumping actions against Chinese exports.
• Doha Round Opportunities: China has the opportunity to negotiate stricter disciplines on WTO contingent protection and to reform the use of special provisions in its accession protocol, potentially reducing the use of antidumping measures by its trading partners.
• Domestic Political Dynamics: The article suggests that domestic coalitions in top antidumping users may not be strong enough to support reforms, as the benefits of antidumping measures outweigh the costs for most users.
• Future Implications: China's decision on whether to use antidumping measures or focus on reforming the system will have a significant impact on global trade practices and WTO disciplines.

Main Views

• Antidumping measures are increasingly used by developing economies, which may lead to a shift in global trade dynamics.
• China's export sectors are particularly vulnerable to antidumping measures due to their nature and the trade policies in place.
• China's WTO membership provides some legal tools, but their effectiveness in reducing exposure to antidumping measures is limited.
• Reforming WTO antidumping rules could be a strategic move for China to improve its trade outcomes and reduce the burden of foreign antidumping actions.

Conclusion

The article concludes that China must carefully consider its strategy regarding antidumping measures. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the sectoral distribution of these measures and the need for China to develop policies that reduce its exposure while also contributing to the reform of global trade disciplines. The decision to either increase its use of antidumping measures or to push for stricter rules will shape the future of international trade and WTO governance.