China initiates market-economy fight with U.S., EU; deadlines loom in lumber, labor disputes
China this week wasted no time challenging the United States and European Union at the World Trade Organization over its non-market economy status, while in other action the Commerce Department will decide on launching an investigation into whether Canada is subsidizing its softwood lumber industry and whether that industry is dumping goods in the U.S., and deadlines are approaching in labor disputes involving Guatemala and Peru. Beijing requested consultations with the U.S. on Dec. 12, according to a WTO official,...