WTO Will Condemn China for Limiting Raw Material Exports

The Wall Street Journal reports that the World Trade Organization will condemn China on Tuesday for limiting exports of its raw materials. The Chinese government had argued that the limits were necessary to protect the environment. China now has the option to appeal the decision. If it does not, or if the appeal fails, it must remove its restrictions or face trade sanctions. According to U.S. and EU officials, the decision will pave the way for a further case on rare-earths. China is presently the largest producer of such minerals as gold, indium, iron ore, lead, mercury, and tin.