US and Japan File WTO Case Against EU for Violations of Key Trade Agreement

US and Japan File WTO Case Against EU for Violations of Key Trade Agreement

Client News

Related Solutions

Clients turn to us to advance their objectives and manage risk in today’s complex, ever-changing global trade landscape.
Our multidisciplinary team offers responsive, full-service sanctions and export controls advice to cover any contingency our clients may face.
Providing comprehensive solutions for the acquisition, enforcement and protection of IP.
Intellectual Property Litigation
Bringing significant depth and critical experience to government contracting matters.
Advising clients on changing priorities, new regulations, emerging threats and untapped opportunities.
On May 28, the United States filed a consultation request with the World Trade Organization (WTO) regarding alleged violations by the European Union (EU) of core international commitments on high-tech trade. US Trade Representative Ambassador Susan Schwab announced the action in Washington. Japan announced that it was also filing a consultation request on the same day.

The EU has assessed import duties on three key high-tech products (flat-screen computer monitors, set-top boxes and multi-function printers) and threatened others. Under the WTO’s Information Technology Agreement – a landmark trade agreement negotiated in 1996 to promote the development and uptake of information technology products – participating governments are obligated to provide duty-free treatment to these and many other products.

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) has led the effort on behalf of the high-tech industry on this matter and is represented by WilmerHale.

The parties have 60 days to consult, after which a WTO dispute settlement could be established to resolve the dispute.

Notice

Unless you are an existing client, before communicating with WilmerHale by e-mail (or otherwise), please read the Disclaimer referenced by this link.(The Disclaimer is also accessible from the opening of this website). As noted therein, until you have received from us a written statement that we represent you in a particular manner (an "engagement letter") you should not send to us any confidential information about any such matter. After we have undertaken representation of you concerning a matter, you will be our client, and we may thereafter exchange confidential information freely.

Thank you for your interest in WilmerHale.

I Accept Cancel