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Thompson Hine LLP, a full-service business law firm with approximately 400 lawyers in 11 offices, was ranked number 1 in the category “Most innovative North American law firms: New working models” by The Financial Times and was 1 of 7 firms shortlisted for The American Lawyer’s inaugural Legal Services Innovation Award. The firm has been recognized by the National Law Journal as a Legal Technology Trailblazer and featured by Bloomberg for its innovative service delivery models, which drive accuracy and predictability. The firm’s commitment to innovation is embodied in Thompson Hine SmartPaTHTM – a smarter way to work – predictable, efficient and aligned with client goals. For more information, please visit ThompsonHine.com and ThompsonHine.com/SmartPaTH.

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As expected, the European Union, China, South Korea and Taiwan have formally requested WTO consultations with the United States over the Trump administration&rsquo;s Section 201 global safeguard measures on imports of certain solar cells and washing machines. The countries requested consultations under Article 12.3 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, which entitles affected countries who are exporters with a &ldquo;substantial interest&rdquo; in the products concerned to have an &ldquo;adequate&rdquo; opportunity for prior consultations before application of the safeguard measure can be imposed by the United States.
While requests for consultation are not formal challenges and do not initiate the WTO&rsquo;s dispute settlement procedures, such consultations are often the precursor to a further action. WTO rules allow for safeguard measures such as temporary restrictions on imports; however, they also require the country imposing such measures and import restrictions to maintain balanced trade with those countries affected. It is possible that if consultation fails to resolve concerns, these countries could eventually retaliate by imposing their own trade restrictions.
Examples of these requests are provided here: <a href="https://dlbjbjzgnk95t.cloudfront.net/1009000/1009702/china%20solar.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">China</a>; <a href="https://dlbjbjzgnk95t.cloudfront.net/1005000/1005561/147.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea</a>.

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SmarTrade

WTO Members Formally Request Consultations With the U.S. Regarding Solar Cell and Washing Machine Trade Actions