Dispute Settlement Body - Draft annual report 2024

DISPUTE SETTLEMENT BODY

DRAFT ANNUAL REPORT (2024)

The Report was prepared pursuant to the Procedures for an Annual Overview of WTO Activities and for Reporting under the WTO (_WT/L/105) and sets out the actions taken by the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) in the period since its previous Annual Report.[1]

 

In carrying out its tasks, the DSB held nine meetings since the period covered by the previous Report. The minutes of these meetings, which remain the record of the DSB's work, are contained in documents _WT/DSB/M/486_WT/DSB/M/494[2] and should be read in conjunction with this Report.

 

The following matters are included in this Report:

 

Table of Contents

 

1   ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON.. 2

2   APPOINTMENT OF APPELLATE BODY MEMBERS. 2

3   INDICATIVE LIST OF GOVERNMENTAL AND NON‑GOVERNMENTAL PANELISTS. 3

4   ESTABLISHMENT OF PANELS AND REQUESTS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF PANELS. 4

5   ADOPTION OF PANEL REPORTS. 4

6   Statements of intentions with respect to the implementation of the DSB recommendations and rulings. 5

7   STATUS REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE DSB. 5

8   OTHER MATTERS. 6

9   CONCLUSION.. 8

 


 

1  ELECTION OF CHAIRPERSON

1.1.  At its meeting on 26 April 2024, the DSB elected by acclamation H.E. Mr. Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) as Chairperson of the DSB (_WT/DSB/M/489).

2  APPOINTMENT OF APPELLATE BODY MEMBERS

2.1.  Regarding the selection processes to appoint new Appellate Body members:

·_       At the 18 December 2023 DSB meeting, Guatemala, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Guatemala, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; Switzerland; the European Union; Korea; Ukraine; Cambodia; Japan; the United Kingdom; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; Pakistan; New Zealand; Thailand; Singapore; Australia; Bangladesh; Brazil; Canada; China; Indonesia; Malaysia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on behalf of the ACP Group; Hong Kong, China; Norway; South Africa; the Russian Federation and Viet Nam. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/486).

·_       At the 26 January 2024 DSB meeting, Guatemala, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Guatemala, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; China; Bangladesh; South Africa; Australia; the United Kingdom; Norway; New Zealand; Brazil; Canada; Indonesia; Pakistan; Malaysia; Japan; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; the European Union; Thailand; Cambodia; the Russian Federation; Korea; Viet Nam; Switzerland; Hong Kong, China and Singapore. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/487).

·_       At the 19 March 2024 DSB meeting, Colombia, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Colombia, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; South Africa; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; Bangladesh; Hong Kong, China; Canada; Brazil; Norway; Cameroon; Australia; Pakistan; Thailand; Switzerland; Indonesia; Japan; China; Malaysia; the United Kingdom; Korea; New Zealand; Singapore; the European Union; Cambodia and the Russian Federation. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/488).

·_       At the 26 April 2024 DSB meeting, Colombia, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Colombia, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; China; Canada; Brazil; Australia; Bangladesh; Mexico; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; Pakistan; New Zealand; Nepal; Antigua and Barbuda, on behalf the OECS; the United Kingdom; Japan; Singapore; Switzerland; Indonesia; Norway; Ukraine; Hong Kong, China; South Africa; Malaysia; the European Union; Iceland; the Russian Federation; Korea and Peru. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/489).

·_       At the 24 May 2024 DSB meeting, Colombia, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Colombia, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; Canada; China; South Africa; Cambodia; Norway; Brazil; Bangladesh; Switzerland; New Zealand; Singapore; Malaysia; Pakistan; Japan; Australia; Korea; the United Kingdom; Ukraine; Thailand; Indonesia; Iceland; the European Union; Hong Kong, China; the Philippines and the Russian Federation. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/490).

·_       At the 24 June 2024 DSB meeting, Colombia, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Colombia, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; Canada; Indonesia; China; Hong Kong, China; Cambodia; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; Norway; Pakistan; Singapore; Bangladesh; Brazil; Switzerland; New Zealand; Korea; Japan; South Africa; Malaysia; the United Kingdom; Australia; Thailand; the Russian Federation; the European Union; Ukraine; Peru and Argentina. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/491).

·_       At the 26 July 2024 DSB meeting, Colombia, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Colombia, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; South Africa; Morocco; China; Canada; Brazil; Thailand; Switzerland; Mexico; Indonesia; Australia; Ukraine; the European Union; Bangladesh; Pakistan; New Zealand; Cambodia; the United Kingdom; Korea; Japan; Hong Kong, China; Iceland; Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the African Group; Norway; the Russian Federation; Singapore and Namibia. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/492).

·_       At the 23 September 2024 DSB meeting, Colombia, on behalf of the proponents, submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Colombia, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; the United Kingdom; Ukraine; Cambodia; Canada; Australia; Brazil; Norway; New Zealand; Iceland; China; Bangladesh; Korea; Switzerland; Singapore; Thailand; Indonesia; Japan; the European Union; Hong Kong, China; the Russian Federation and Argentina. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/493).

·_       At the 28 October 2024 DSB meeting, Colombia, on behalf of the proponents submitted a joint proposal on AB selection processes contained in document _WT/DSB/W/609/Rev.26. No consensus was reached on this matter. The following delegations made statements: Colombia, on behalf of the proponents; the United States; Brazil; Canada; China; the United Kingdom; Australia; the European Union; Switzerland; New Zealand; Cambodia; Bangladesh; Hong Kong, China; Korea; Japan; Indonesia; Norway; Argentina; the Russian Federation; Thailand and Singapore. The Chairman said that the DSB would take note of the statements expressing the respective positions, which would be reflected in the minutes of the present meeting (_WT/DSB/M/494).

3  INDICATIVE LIST OF GOVERNMENTAL AND NON‑GOVERNMENTAL PANELISTS

3.1.  During the period under review, the DSB approved a total of 12 new nominations for inclusion on the Indicative List of Governmental and Non‑Governmental Panelists, in accordance with Article 8.4 of the DSU. The names are contained in document: _WT/DSB/W/729. The DSB approved the nominations at its meeting on 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488).

3.2.  The DSB approved the following new names for the Indicative List: (i) Ecuador – Mr. Homero Larrea Monard; (ii) Japan – Mr. Yoshinori Abe, Ms. Yuka Fukunaga, Mr. Keiichi Higuchi, Mr. Kazuyori Ito, Mr. Azusa Kikuma, Mr. Tomohiko Kobayashi, Mr. Kunio Miyaoka, Ms. Yoshiko Naiki, Ms. Tomoko Ota, Ms. Mari Shimizu; and (iii) Kenya – Mr. Dennis Milimo Muhambe.

4  ESTABLISHMENT OF PANELS AND REQUESTS FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF PANELS

4.1.  During the period under review, the DSB established three Panels in accordance with Article 6 of the DSU. These actions are described below with reference to each of the disputes in question:

·_       "European Union – Measures Concerning the Importation of Citrus Fruit from South Africa": The DSB considered, for the first time, South Africa's panel request at its meeting on 24 June 2024 (_WT/DS613/2; _WT/DSB/M/491). South Africa and the European Union made statements. The DSB considered this matter, for the second time, at its meeting on 26 July 2024 and agreed to establish a panel in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of the DSU, with standard terms of reference (_WT/DSB/M/492). South Africa and the European Union made statements. The following delegations reserved third‑party rights to participate in the Panel's proceedings: Australia; Botswana; Brazil; Canada; China; Colombia; Eswatini; India; Israel; Japan; Paraguay; the Russian Federation; Chinese Taipei; the United Kingdom; the United States; Uruguay and Zimbabwe.

·_       "European Union – Additional Measures Concerning the Importation of Citrus Fruit from South Africa": The DSB considered, for the first time, South Africa's panel request at its meeting on 24 June 2024 (_WT/DS624/2; _WT/DSB/M/491). South Africa and the European Union made statements. The DSB considered this matter, for the second time, at its meeting on 26 July 2024 and agreed to establish a panel in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of the DSU, with standard terms of reference (_WT/DSB/M/492). South Africa and the European Union made statements. The following delegations reserved third‑party rights to participate in the Panel's proceedings: Argentina; Australia; Botswana; Brazil; Canada; China; Colombia; Eswatini; India; Israel; Japan; Paraguay; the Russian Federation; Chinese Taipei; the United States; Uruguay and Zimbabwe.

·_       "United States – Certain Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act": The DSB considered, for the first time, China's panel request at its meeting on 26 July 2024 (_WT/DS623/3; _WT/DSB/M/492). China and the United States made statements.  The DSB considered this matter, for the second time, at its meeting on 23 September 2024 and agreed to establish a panel in accordance with the provisions of Article 6 of the DSU, with standard terms of reference (_WT/DSB/M/493). China, the United States and Brazil made statements. The following delegations reserved third-party rights to participate in the Panel's proceedings: Argentina; Australia; Brazil; Canada; Colombia; Ecuador; the European Union; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Israel; Japan; Korea; Malaysia; Mexico; Norway; the Russian Federation; Singapore; Switzerland; Thailand; Türkiye; the United Arab Emirates; the United Kingdom; Venezuela and Viet Nam.

5  ADOPTION OF PANEL REPORTS

5.1.  During the period covered by this Report, the DSB adopted three Panel Reports:

·_       "United States – Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties on Ripe Olives from Spain: Recourse to Article 21.5 of the DSU by the European Union": The DSB adopted the Panel Report contained in _WT/DS577/RW and _WT/DS577/RW/Add.1, at its meeting on 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488). The following delegations made statements: the European Union, the United States and Canada.

·_       "European Union and Certain Member States – Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-Based Biofuels": The DSB adopted the Panel Report contained in _WT/DS600/R and _WT/DS600/R/Add.1, at its meeting on 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489). The following delegations made statements: Malaysia; the European Union; Brazil; the Russian Federation; Indonesia; the United States and Colombia.

·_       "Australia – Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China": The DSB adopted the Panel Report contained in _WT/DS603/R and _WT/DS603/R/Add.1, at its meeting on 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489). The following delegations made statements: China; Australia; the Russian Federation and the European Union.

6  Statements of intentions with respect to the implementation of the DSB recommendations and rulings

6.1.  The DSB took note of Members' statements of intentions with respect to the implementation of the DSB recommendations and rulings in connection with two disputes:

·_         "European Union and Certain Member States – Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-Based Biofuels": The European Union informed the DSB of its intentions in respect of implementation of the recommendations and rulings of the DSB in this dispute at the DSB meeting on 24 May 2024 (DS600; _WT/DSB/M/490). The following delegations made statements: The European Union and Malaysia.

·_         "Australia – Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products From China": Australia informed the DSB of its intentions in respect of implementation of the recommendations and rulings of the DSB in this dispute at the DSB meeting on 24 May 2024 (DS603; _WT/DSB/M/490). The following delegations made statements: Australia and China.

7  STATUS REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS ADOPTED BY THE DSB

7.1.  The DSB received status reports with respect to implementation of DSB rulings and recommendations during the period considered in this Report with regard to seven matters as follows:

·_          "United States – Anti‑Dumping Measures on Certain Hot‑Rolled Steel Products from Japan": Status reports by the United States (_WT/DS184/15/Add.245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252 and 253) were submitted at the DSB meetings held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), 24 May 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/490), 24 June 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), 26 July 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/492), 23 September 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/493) and 28 October 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/494) In the course of the period covered by this report, statements on this matter were made by the United States (9 times) and Japan (9).

·_       "United States – Section 110(5) of the US Copyright Act": Status reports by the United States _WT/DS160/24/Add.220_, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227 and 228) were submitted at the DSB meetings held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), 24 May 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/490),  24 June 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), 26 July 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/492), 23 September 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/493) and 28 October 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/494). In the course of the period covered by this report, statements on this matter were made by the United States (9 times) and the European Union (9).

·_       "European Communities – Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products": Status reports by the European Union (_WT/DS291/37/Add.183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190 and 191) were submitted at the DSB meetings held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), 24 May 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/490), 24 June 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), 26 July 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/492), 23 September 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/493) and 28 October 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/494).  In the course of the period covered by this report, statements on this matter were made by the European Union (9 times) and the United States (9).

·_       "United States – Anti‑Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea": Status reports by United States (_WT/DS464/17/Add.67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74 and 75) were submitted at the DSB meetings held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), 24 May 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/490), 24 June 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), 26 July 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/492), 23 September 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/493) and 28 October 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/494).  In the course of the period covered by this report, statements on this matter were made by the United States (9 times), Korea (9) and Canada (9).

·_       "United States – Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti‑Dumping Proceedings Involving China": Status reports by the United States (_WT/DS471/17/Add.59, 60, 61, 62,  63, 64, 65, 66 and 67) were submitted at the DSB meetings held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), 24 May 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/490), 24 June 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), 26 July 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/492), 23 September 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/493) and 28 October 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/494). In the course of the period covered by this report, statements on this matter were made by the United States (9 times) and China (9).

·_       "Indonesia – Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products": Status reports by Indonesia (_WT/DS477/21;WT/DS478/22, Add.54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 and 62) were submitted at the DSB meetings held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), 24 May 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/490), 24 June 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), 26 July 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/492), 23 September 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/493) and 28 October 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/494). In the course of the period covered by this report, statements on this matter were made by Indonesia (9 times), New Zealand (9) and the United States (9).

·_       "China – Anti‑Dumping Measures on Stainless Steel Products from Japan": Status report by China (_WT/DS601/12) was submitted at the DSB meeting held on 24 May 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/490). Statements on this matter were made by China and Japan.

8  OTHER MATTERS

8.1.  A variety of other matters were raised in the DSB:

8.2.  Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 18 December 2023 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/486), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 26 January 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/487), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 19 March 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/488), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 26 April 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/489), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 24 May 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/490), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 24 June 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/491), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 26 July 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/492), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 23 September 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/493), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party. Prior to the adoption of the proposed Agenda of the 28 October 2024 DSB meeting (_WT/DSB/M/494), the Chairman made a short report regarding his consultations on the DS574 dispute with each interested party.

8.3.  At the DSB meeting held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), Colombia made a statement regarding the implementation of the recommendations and rulings in the dispute:  "Colombia – Anti‑Dumping Duties on Frozen Fries From Belgium" (DS591). The European Union also made a statement on this matter.

8.4.  At the DSB meeting held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), Antigua and Barbuda made a statement regarding the dispute on: "United States – Measures Affecting the Cross-Border Supply of Gambling and Betting Services" (DS285). The following delegations also made statements on this matter: the United States; Bangladesh; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on behalf of the ACP Group; South Africa; India; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group, and China.

8.5.  At the DSB meeting held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), the United States made a statement regarding the dispute on: "United States – Origin Marking Requirement" (DS597). The following delegations also made statements on this matter: Hong Kong, China and China. At the DSB meeting held on 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), this matter was, once again raised by the United States. The following delegations also made statements: Hong Kong, China and China. At the DSB meeting held on 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), this matter was, once again raised by the United States. The following delegations also made statements: Hong Kong, China and China. At the DSB meeting held on 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), this matter was, once again raised by the United States. The following delegations also made statements: Hong Kong, China and China. At the DSB meeting held on 24 June 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), this matter was, once again raised by the United States. The following delegations also made statements: Hong Kong, China and China. At the DSB meeting held on 23 September 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/493), this matter was, once again raised by the United States. The following delegations also made statements: Hong Kong, China and China.

8.6.  At the DSB meeting held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), the European Union made a statement regarding the Panel Report in the dispute: "India – Tariff Treatment on Certain Goods in the Information and Communications Technology Sector" (DS582). The following delegations also made statements on this matter: India; Canada; Japan; the Russian Federation and China.

8.7.  Decisions proposed by the parties to the dispute approving the extension of the time-period for DSB adoption of Panel Reports by negative consensus in order to allow time for further discussions:

·_       At the DSB meeting held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), pursuant to the joint request by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and India, the DSB adopted a draft decision, as set out in document _WT/DS588/14 pertaining to the dispute: "India – Tariff Treatment on Certain Goods in the Information and Communications Technology Sector". The representatives of Chinese Taipei; India; the United States and Korea made statements on this matter.

·_       At the DSB meeting held on 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), pursuant to the joint request by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and India, the DSB adopted a draft decision, as set out in document _WT/DS588/15 pertaining to the dispute: "India – Tariff Treatment on Certain Goods in the Information and Communications Technology Sector". The representatives of Chinese Taipei; India and the United States made statements on this matter.

·_       At the DSB meeting held on 26 July 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/491), pursuant to the joint request by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and India, the DSB adopted a draft decision, as set out in document _WT/DS588/16 pertaining to the dispute: "India – Tariff Treatment on Certain Goods in the Information and Communications Technology Sector". The representatives of Chinese Taipei; India; the United States and Korea made statements on this matter.

·_       At the DSB meeting held on 28 October 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/494), pursuant to the joint request by the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and India, the DSB adopted a draft decision, as set out in document _WT/DS588/17 pertaining to the dispute: "India – Tarif Treatment on Certain Goods in the Information and Communications Technology Sector".  The representatives of Chinese Taipei; India; the United States and Korea made statements on this matter.

8.8.  At the DSB meeting held on 18 December 2023 (_WT/DSB/M/486), the Chairman invited the representative of Guatemala, Mr. Marco Molina, the convenor of the informal DS process, to make a statement to report on informal discussions on DS reform. The following delegations made statements: Guatemala; the United States; Bangladesh; Canada; China; Thailand; Brazil; Norway; Japan; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; the United Kingdom; South Africa; India; Indonesia; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on behalf of the ACP Group; Korea; Pakistan; the European Union; Malaysia; the Russian Federation; Australia; New Zealand; Singapore; Switzerland and Cambodia.

8.9.  At the DSB meeting held on 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), the Chairman made a statement regarding consultations held on 22, 23 and 24 January 2024 on DS reform. He then invited the representative of Guatemala, Mr. Marco Molina, the convenor of the informal process, to make a statement to report on informal discussions on DS reform. The following delegations made statements: Guatemala; the United States; Brazil; China; the European Union; Norway; South Africa; New Zealand; Indonesia; India; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; Pakistan; Malaysia; Bangladesh; the United Kingdom; Japan; the Russian Federation; Switzerland; Thailand; Canada; Mexico; Australia; Türkiye; Singapore; Peru; Korea; Colombia and Cambodia.

8.10.  At the DSB meeting held on 26 January 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/487), the United States made a statement regarding the Panel Report in the dispute: "Turkey – Additional Duties on Certain Products from the United States" (DS561). The following delegations also made statements on this matter: Türkiye; Canada; the European Union; the Russian Federation and India.

8.11.  At the DSB meeting held on 19 March 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/488), the Chairman reported on his consultations held from 11 to 13 March 2024 to hear delegations' views on how to follow up on the MC13 decision by Ministers on DS reform, and on the issue of appointment of a facilitator for the DS reform process following the departure of Mr. Marco Molina, the convenor of the informal DS process. The following delegations made statements: the European Union; Brazil; Canada; Japan; Australia; Bangladesh; Argentina; the United States; Korea; China; the United Kingdom; Switzerland; Norway; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; Mexico; Türkiye; the Russian Federation; Indonesia; New Zealand; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, speaking on behalf of the OECS; South Africa; Peru; Singapore; Malaysia and Ecuador.

8.12.  At the DSB meeting held on 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), the Chairman reported on the appointment of H.E. Ms. Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius as Facilitator for the DS reform process following the departure of Mr. Marco Molina, the convenor of the informal process. The following delegations made statements: the European Union; Australia; the United States; Norway; St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on behalf of the ACP Group; Thailand; the Philippines; Malaysia; Indonesia; Pakistan; Argentina; Canada; China; Brazil; Japan; India; Switzerland; New Zealand; Peru; the Russian Federation; Nepal; Bangladesh; Nigeria, on behalf of the African Group; Mexico; Cameroon; South Africa; Hong Kong, China; Korea; Iceland; Singapore; Egypt; Türkiye; the United Kingdom; Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of; Colombia and Morocco.

8.13.  At the DSB meeting held on 26 April 2024 (_WT/DSB/M/489), Japan made a statement regarding the Panel Report in the dispute: "China – Anti‑dumping Measures on Stainless Steel Products from Japan" (DS601). China also made a statement on this matter.

9  CONCLUSION

9.1.  This brief overview demonstrates that, during the period from 18 December 2023 through 28 October 2024, the DSB was called upon to consider a variety of significant matters and took a number of important decisions. As set out in detail above, the DSB approved a total of 12 new nominations proposed for inclusion on the Indicative List of Governmental and Non‑Governmental Panelists. It established three Panels in accordance with Article 6 of the DSU and adopted three Panel Reports. As part of its surveillance function, the DSB considered status reports on implementation with regard to seven matters.

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[1] _WT/DSB/85.

[2] This draft Annual Report includes activities that took place during meetings of the DSB from 18 December 2023 through 28 October 2024.