Japan worries about anti-dumping measures that violate WTO rules

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, in its annual report on unfair trade practices, cites eight cases of anti-dumping measures by China, the United States, South Korea, India and Turkey against Japanese steel products that may be incompatible with World Trade Organization rules.

In the case of Japanese steel exported to the United States, the investigation covers a type of product that does not compete with domestic products, the ministry said in a statement. With regard to the Chinese case, no logical explanation has been provided about the impact of Japanese imports on the Chinese domestic market.

The ministry has also criticized South Korea's ongoing process to consider whether the tariff for Japanese stainless steel should be expanded, which is also incompatible with WTO rules. The ministry said it might consider a WTO complaint over the South Korean case if the situation does not improve through negotiations.

He also questioned China's cybersecurity law, created last November and coming into force next month, as it could force foreign firms to follow rules and standards that are incompatible with WTO rules.