US, EU, Japan Go To WTO Over China Rare Earth Policy

The Japan,  the EU, and the U.S. will join forces to ask the World Trade Organization to intercede over China’s exports policies on rare earth metals. These metals are scarce and are used in a number of electronics products. China has export quotas on rare earth metals. It has countered accusations by stating that its policy is reasonable given demand and its environmental concerns. This may be the first time ever China has voiced worry about its environment as an excuse for business policy. The importers of rare earths are at a disadvantage, at least for now. The WTO likely will be slow to make a decision or take any substantial action. Its decisions normally are not swift