News Analysis WTO ruling on Section 301 tariffs reinforces its political quandary

摘要

Posted 9/17/2020. President Trump has repeatedly used the World Trade Organization as a political punching bag, presiding over an administration that has handicapped one of the WTO's core functions while calling for fundamental reforms that are unlikely in the near term. A dispute settlement panel's ruling this week against one of Trump's landmark trade actions - a slew of Section 301 tariffs on China - further immerses the WTO in apolitical quandary that has made even its most ardent supporters question whether the organization can deal with the most pressing trade issues, namely those involving China. "It's pretty rich that China sued the United States for imposing these tariffs when it has engaged in egregious practices for years - practices that have directly harmed our American businesses and workers," House Ways & Means ranking member Kevin Brady (R-TX) said in a statement on Tuesday. "Many of these practices are not covered by WTO rules. Remarkably, China has not hesitated in imposing tariffs against the U.S. in return." "I support the WTO," Brady added, "but today's decision once again shows that it is beyond time for reform. I call on WTO members to reform the WTO rules so that we can capture China's abuses and protect our American workers, producers, and consumers."