⁍ U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer reacted defiantly to a World Trade Organization decision finding punitive U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods in violation of WTO rules.

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⁍ In a statement, Lighthizer said the decision shows that the WTO provides no remedy for China’s ‘misconduct’
Lighthizer: ‘The United States must be allowed to defend itself against unfair trade practices

– The World Trade Organization ruled Tuesday that China broke the rules when it slapped tariffs on American-made goods in a tit-for-tat tariff war, the New York Times reports. According to Reuters, the WTO’s appellate panel found that the tariffs—ranging from 10% to 25%—were invalid because they violated China’s World Trade Organization obligations. The Trump administration has threatened more tariffs on Chinese goods. The ruling is a response to a complaint from the US Trade Representative, Robert Lighthizer, who accused China of pressuring US companies to hand over technology in exchange for access to the Chinese market. Lighthizer said the ruling shows that the WTO is “inadequate to stop China’s harmful technology practices.” He said the US “will not let China use the WTO to take advantage of American workers, businesses, farmers, and ranchers.”