The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) met on Tuesday 30 May and discussed a number of cases involving the EU and other member countries.
Dispute with Turkey
The meeting was an opportunity for the EU to affirm its disagreement with Ankara over the dispute between them on pharmaceutical products (see EUROPE 12942/10). Turkey was ordered by the WTO in the first instance to withdraw these measures against European pharmaceutical products (absence of reimbursement by its health system).
On 28 April, Ankara indicated that it had taken the appropriate measures to implement the WTO ruling, but the EU disagreed. It criticised Turkey for not having withdrawn certain measures and for not making public certain other problematic measures, despite the EU’s requests for access.
India
At the meeting on 30 May, the EU also asked India to consider using the WTO’s alternative multi-merit appeal system in its dispute with the EU, but also with Japan and Taiwan. This concerns Indian tariffs on products such as mobile phones, charging stations, static converters and electrical cables (see EUROPE 12164/30).
At the end of May, India indicated that it would appeal against the first instance arbitration. In so doing, it is blocking the procedure, as the WTO’s appellate body has been at a standstill for several years. For this reason, several members expressed their regret at India’s decision to appeal.
Indonesia
Finally, Jakarta reiterated its request for the opening of a panel against the anti-dumping duties on Indonesian steel imposed by the EU. Indonesia considers these measures illegal and had already requested the opening of a panel at the end of April, but this request was rejected by the EU.
This manoeuvre by the Europeans only delayed the procedure, as Indonesia was able to repeat its request, which was automatically accepted this time. On 30 May, the EU said it regretted Jakarta’s decision and was confident that the anti-dumping duties complied with WTO rules. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)