Indonesia accuses US of breaking WTO rules with paper duties

Geneva (AFP) - The World Trade Organization said Friday Indonesia had filed a complaint accusing Washington of breaching global trade rules by imposing punitive tariffs on its shipments of coated paper.The WTO said it had been notified by Indonesia that it was requesting consultations on the US anti-dumping measures.

Requesting consultations is the first step in trade disputes before the Geneva-based body, which polices respect for global trade accords in an effort to offer its 160 member economies a level playing field.

The consultations, which allow the parties to discuss the matter and reach a solution without proceeding to litigation, must begin within 30 days and generally cannot last longer than two months.

If they fail to reach an agreement, the complainant can request that a panel of experts be established to study the dispute and reach a verdict.

The World Trade Organization said Indonesia had filed a complaint on March 13, 2015, accusing the US of breaching global trade rules by imposing punitive tariffs on its shipments of coated paper (AFP Photo/Romeo Gacad)