Reposted from the August-September 2012 Enforcement Newsletter of the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative

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United States Wins Dispute Over China’s Discrimination Against U.S. Financial Service Companies

On August 31, 2012, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that the United States prevailed in the dispute regarding China’s discrimination against U.S. and other non-Chinese suppliers of electronic payment services. On August 31, the World Trade Organization adopted the Panel Report findings in favor of the United States. According to Ambassador Kirk, the WTO’s decision is a “message to the Government of China…that those practices must end.” The Industry estimates that removal of China’s restrictions could potentially lead to the creation of 6,000 jobs.

The Panel’s final report, which China did not appeal, was originally circulated on July 16, 2012 and adopted by the WTO on August 31. According to WTO rules, within 30 days China must formally state whether it intends to comply with the findings in the Panel Report.