The United States on Wednesday challenged a Chinese export subsidy program for products including textiles, medical products and agriculture, alleging the support was illegal under international trade law.
U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman said starting a dispute process at the World Trade Organization would help ensure a level playing field. He urged China to play by the WTO rules and maintain fair competition in global markets.
The petition to the WTO for, at the first level, dispute settlement consultations, responds to complaints by various US industries including shrimp fishermen, medical device makers, fruit and vegetable farmers, and textile manufacturers.