China Defends Rare Earths Export Restraints as Environmental Protection Measures
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman defended China's rare earth export restraints June 28, and said the restraints are in place to protect the environment, reported Xinhua. "China adjusted its export policy entirely for the sake of environmental protection instead of trade distortion or the protection of domestic industries," said spokesman Hong Lei.
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The U.S., European Union, and Japan requested a World Trade Organization panel June 27 to rule on their challenge of China’s rare earths export restraints. In press releases announcing the move, the U.S. and EU said the export restraints distort global supply and pricing and favor Chinese industry at the expense of companies and consumers in the U.S. and the EU, as well as the rest of the world.
(See ITT’s Online Archives 12062724 for summary of the request for a WTO panel by the U.S., EU, and Japan in their challenge of the Chinese measures.)