February 9, 2000
Tariffs
China is committing to establish a "tariff-only" import regime; all
WTO-inconsistent non-tariff barriers will be eliminated. Any other measure, such
as inspection, testing, and domestic taxes must be applied in a manner that is
consistent with WTO rules requiring a transparent and non-discriminatory system.
Tariff concessions on key meat products that China will phase in by 2004
include the following:
|
Current Tariff (%) |
Tariff in 2004 (%) |
Frozen beef cuts
Frozen beef tongue and offal
Frozen pork cuts and offal
Frozen chicken and turkey parts |
45
20
20
20 |
12
12
12
10 |
Trading Rights and Distribution
- Currently, U.S. companies’ ability to do business in China is strictly
limited because the right to engage in trade (importing and exporting) is
restricted to a small number of companies that receive specific
authorization or who import goods to be used in production. This limits U.S.
exports. China has agreed that any entity will be able to import most
products, including meat and meat products, into any part of China. This
commitment is phased in over the three-year period with all entities being
permitted to import and export at the end of the period.
- China -- which generally prohibits companies from distributing imported
products or providing related distribution services -- will permit foreign
enterprises to engage in the full range of distribution services. These
rights will be phased in over a three-year period for almost all products.
(See separate papers on distribution services and related services.)
Export Subsidies
- China will eliminate export subsidies for agricultural products when it
joins the WTO, benefiting U.S. agricultural products competing in
third-country markets.
Domestic Support
- China committed to cap and reduce trade-distorting domestic subsidies;
specific levels will be determined through multilateral negotiations.
Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
- China made a bilateral commitment to lift its ban and accept meat from all
U.S. plants certified by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food
Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). China committed to fully abide by the
terms of the WTO Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures, which
requires that all animal, plant, and human health import requirements be
based on sound science.
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Last modified:
Thursday, October 14, 2004 PM
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