U.S. issues report on China’s WTO commitments

The report by the United States Trade Representative outlines whether China is following its World Trade Organization commitments and how the U.S. is working to get the country to abide by its promises.    The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative presented to Congress last week the 2015 annual report on China’s compliance with its World Trade Organization obligations. The report is mandated by Congress and highlights the status of China’s policies and practices in the areas of trade and investment.
   Since China acceded to the WTO in 2001 U.S. goods exports to China have increased 545 percent and service exports have increased 733 percent. However, imports have risen more and the U.S. carries a trade deficit with China.
   The report outlines how the Obama administration is trying to hold China to its WTO commitments in areas such as intellectual property rights enforcement and protection of trade secrets, China’s industrial policies and support for state-owned enterprises, services, agricultural policies, and transparency.
   The report also provides on update on trade and investment commitments that China has made through regular bilateral meetings. 
   “In 2016, the Administration will continue to vigorously pursue increased benefits for U.S. businesses, workers, farmers, ranchers and service providers from our trade and economic ties with China. The Administration will use all available tools to achieve these objectives, including the pursuit of productive, outcome-oriented dialogue in both bilateral and multilateral settings, as well as the vigorous use of enforcement mechanisms, where appropriate,” the USTR said in a statement.