U.S. says WTO cannot review Japan's use of national security exception

The U.S. on Monday backed Japan’s invocation of the World Trade Organization national security exception in a dispute with South Korea over semiconductor materials. The U.S. has cited the same provision in challenges to its steel and aluminum tariffs. South Korea at Monday’s Dispute Settlement Body meeting asked to establish a dispute panel, arguing that Japan’s export restrictions on certain semiconductor products were inconsistent with the country’s WTO obligations. Seoul first challenged Japan’s measures in September but said on Monday...