China – Tariff rate Quotas for Certain Agricultural Products

Request to Join Consultations

Communication from Canada

The following communication, dated 29 December 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 request to join the consultations requested by the United States pursuant to Articles 1 and 4 of the DSU and Article XXII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 with respect to China's administration of its tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), including those for wheat, short- and medium-grain rice, long-grain rice and corn. The request of the United States is set out in document WT/DS517/1.

With annual average Chinese imports of Canadian wheat in the amount of $297 million, which represent 22% of worldwide Chinese imports of wheat, Canada has a substantial trade interest in these proceedings. In particular, the measures at issue in this dispute may affect Canada's wheat exporters that rely on China's wheat TRQ for competitive access to the Chinese market. More generally, the administration of TRQs has consequences for international trade, as will any resolution of this matter.

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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