China – Domestic Support for Agricultural Producers

Request to Join Consultations

Communication from Canada

The following communication, dated 30 September 2016, from the delegation of Canada to the delegation of China, the delegation of the United States and to the Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

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Pursuant to Article 4.11 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), the Government of Canada hereby notifies its desire to join the consultations requested by the United States pursuant to Articles 1 and 4 of the DSU, Article 19 of the Agreement on Agriculture and Article XXII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 with respect to all support China provides in favour of agricultural producers. The request of the United States is set out in document WT/DS511/1.

As a significant exporter of wheat and corn, two of the specified agricultural products at issue in this dispute, Canada has a substantial trade interest in these proceedings. With respect to wheat in particular, Canada is China's second largest supplier. With respect to both commodities, the measures at issue in this dispute may affect the ability of Canada's producers to export to China.  More generally, possible interpretations of the methodology to calculate market price support and product-specific aggregate measurement of support could have systemic consequences for the international trade in agricultural products.

As a result of this substantial trade interest, Canada respectfully requests that it be permitted to join the consultations in this dispute.

A copy of this letter is being sent to the Chairman of the Dispute Settlement Body, with a request that it be circulated to Members.

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