China - Measures related to the Exportation of
Rare earths, Tungsten and Molybdenum

Request to Join Consultations

Communication from the United States

        The following communication, dated 22 March 2012, from the delegation of the United States to the delegation of China, the delegation of Japan and to the Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

_______________

This concerns the request for consultations by Japan on China – Measures Related to the Exportation of Rare Earths, Tungsten and Molybdenum, circulated on 15 March 2012 (WT/DS433/1).  My authorities have instructed me to notify the consulting Members and the Dispute Settlement Body of the desire of the United States to be joined in these consultations pursuant to Article 4.11 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes. 

The United States has a substantial trade interest in these consultations.  They concern certain measures of China related to the exportation of rare earths, tungsten, and molybdenum from China on which the United States has also requested consultations (WT/DS431/1).  These measures restrain the exportation of raw materials from China, including the materials at issue, that are used by US industries, and they affect the conditions of competition facing US‑produced goods sold in the United States and foreign markets.