Applicability of the Single Rate Presumption for Non-Market Economies within the Framework of the WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement

WTO 반덤핑협정 상 비시장경제 규율에 대한 고찰: 미국의 단일률 적용 관행을 중심으로

This study aims to analyze the WTO-inconsistent aspects of the single rate presumption of the United States in establishing and imposing anti-dumping duties for non-market economy exporters. By examining the drafting history in the GATT/WTO negotiations and the practice of the single rate presumption for non-market economies by the United States from a comparative perspective, it critically addresses the inherent lack of pertinent disciplines under the framework of the WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement in establishing dumping margins for exporters of non-market economies. The WTO Dispute Settlement Body leaves open the possibility of allowing the investigating authority to consider multiple exporters and the exporting country as a single entity. However, the study argues that it is difficult in practice for the investigating authority to make a single-entity decision in a WTO-consistent manner. The study also finds an incompatibility in the notion between establishing dumping margins for 'individual' exporters and 'non-market economies.' A proper discipline for non-market economies under the multilateral anti-dumping norm needs to be reconsidered in the era of persistent trade conflicts between the United States and China.