The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled on Tuesday that the US violated the rules of world trade by imposing multi-billion dollar tariffs during US President Donald Trump's trade war with China. This ruling has angered Washington.
The Trump administration argues that tariffs imposed two years ago on more than $ 200 billion in Chinese goods were justified on the grounds that China was stealing intellectual property and forcing American companies to transfer technology as a condition of access to Chinese markets.
However, a three-member WTO commission ruled that US duties violate trade rules as they apply only against China and exceed the maximum rates agreed with the US. At that time, Washington did not adequately substantiate why its measures are a justifiable exception, the commission concluded.
