Statement by Minister Kajiyama on Circulation of the WTO Panel Report Regarding the Republic of Korea’s Measure to Extend Anti-Dumping Duties on Stainless Steel Bars Originating from Japan and its Fourth Sunset Review

December 1, 2020

1. On November 30 (Geneva time), the World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated a panel report on the measure by the Republic of Korea (ROK), based on the results of the third sunset review, to extend the imposition of anti-dumping (AD) duties on stainless steel bars originating from Japan, which had been examined by the WTO at the request of Japan.

2. The panel accepted the core claims of Japan, ruled that the ROK’s imposition of the measure to extend AD duties is inconsistent with the WTO Agreement, and recommended that the ROK bring its measure into conformity with the WTO Agreement. Japan expects that the ROK will sincerely and promptly correct this measure that is inconsistent with the WTO Agreement so that this unjust measure against Japanese companies will not continue.

3. Regarding this point, the ROK is presently deliberating further extension of the AD duties based on the results of its fourth sunset review. However, the inconsistency with the WTO Agreement is not corrected in the current findings by the investigating authority of the ROK, and Japan requests the ROK abolish the measure in accordance with the results of this panel report.

4. The panel report is significant not only in that it recommends correction of the ROK’s unjust measure to extend AD duties but also in that the panel affirmed that the operation of the sunset review system sustaining long-term, unjust imposition of AD duties, including such measures imposed by other countries is not permitted under the WTO Agreement. Japan will continue to make further efforts to strengthen international rules concerning trade remedies.

Divisions in Charge

Office of WTO Compliance and Dispute Settlement, Multilateral Trade System Department, Trade Policy Bureau