THE Chinese Ministry of Commerce has reportedly decided to appeal against a WTO Panel's findings against the duties and quotas China imposes on its exports of raw materials.

With complaints from many countries, including the United States and the European Union, the dispute concerns the restraints that China imposes on the export of a number of raw materials, including bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. China is a leading producer of each of those raw materials, which are used to produce everyday items as well as technology products, states WTO Press Statement.

For some of the raw materials, China has claimed that its export quotas and duties were necessary for the protection of the health of its citizens. However, the WTO panel found that China had been unable to demonstrate that its measures would have the effect of reducing pollution in the short or long-term.

Nevertheless, China has now decided that it will appeal the WTO panel’s ruling within 60-days. It is reported that the Chinese government is particularly concerned in view of the recent controversy of its restrictions on the export of rare earths in the wake of the stand off with Japan.