U.S. Grains Council supports WTO Rrport finding China misused corn TRQ

In Washington, D.C. the U.S. Grains Council strongly supports a decision made by the World Trade Organization’s Dispute Settlement Body determining China administered its tariff-rate quotas for wheat, corn and rice inconsistently with its WTO requirements.

The report found that China’s TRQ administration is not transparent, predictable or fair and that it ultimately inhibits TRQs from filling, which is one factor denying U.S. farmers access to China’s market for corn and other grains.

This decision stems from consultations first requested by the U.S. government in 2016 based on findings and analysis done for the Council, U.S. Wheat Associates and the USA Rice Federation.

“The report is an important acknowledgement China has not fulfilled its obligations to allow for tariff-rate quotas for corn to be filled while maintaining high domestic corn prices consistently above international prices,” said Tom Sleight, Council president and CEO. “We believe this is an example of the WTO working to help move us all toward a more open and fair market for grains.”