USTR has just announced that it will be bringing a WTO complaint against Chinese anti-dumping duties imposed on U.S.-made automobiles. According to USTR, these duties “appear to represent yet another abuse of trade remedies by China.”

One of the most important aspects of WTO rules is the disciplines they provide on anti-dumping duties, so as to prevent abuse. To the extent that WTO litigation can limit these abuses, it can be very useful. Of course, what would be even more useful is if everyone stopped imposing anti-dumping duties!