WTO Appellate Body Report On US-China Dispute

The World Trade Organization’s dispute-settling Appellate Body has issued its report on a complaint made by the United States against China on “Measures Affecting Trading Rights and Distribution Services for Certain Publications and Audiovisual Entertainment Products.” The case concerns measures in Chinese law which the US said restrict the ability of foreign companies to import and have market access for films for theatrical release, audiovisual equipment for home use, and certain publications.

The report on the US-China case is available here.

The Appellate Body is a seven-member group that decides on appeals made within the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. Appellate Body reports must be accepted by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, made up of all member governments, and afterward must be accepted by the states involved in the dispute.