China appeals WTO ruling against its curbs on exports of industrial raw materials in case U.S., Europe hope will lead to easing of restriction on rare earths

Cindy Allen

BEIJING , September 1, 2011 (Associated Press) – China's government says it has appealed a World Trade Organization ruling against its curbs on exports of industrial raw materials in a case Washington and Europe hope will lead to an easing of restrictions on rare earths.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said it filed the appeal Wednesday with the WTO in Geneva.

Ministry spokespeople had no details of the appeal but Chinese officials have defended the restrictions on materials such as zinc and bauxite as needed to protect the environment. A WTO panel ruled they improperly favored Chinese companies and raised costs for foreign rivals.

U.S. and European officials say they hope the principles of the ruling will be applied to China's restrictions on exports of rare earths, minerals used in making mobile phones and other high-tech goods.

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