WTO Panel to Investigate EU Antidumping Duties on Chinese Footwear

The World Trade Organization (WTO) on May 18 set up an expert panel which would investigate and rule whether the European Union's antidumping duties on Chinese-made footwear violate global trade regulations.

The panel was established following a second request made by China, which says the EU's anti-dumping measure is "inconsistent with related WTO agreements and impaired China's benefits." A previous request made last month was blocked by the EU in accordance with related procedures.

It usually takes more than six months for a panel, which usually consists of three to five experts, to issue its ruling on a trade dispute.

If China wins the case, it can be authorized by the WTO to take appropriate retaliatory measures against the EU antidumping duties.