WTO sides with China, India in 2 US trade disputes over import duties

The world trade body has ruled against the United States in two disputes with India and China, telling the U.S. government it must abide by international rules.

A World Trade Organization panel says in response to a complaint from China in 2012 that the United States improperly imposed duties on imports of Chinese steel products and solar panels.

It said Monday in another 2012 case brought by India that the United States must change duties it imposes on certain Indian steel products, which India claims are inconsistent with U.S. treaty obligations.

But the Geneva-based panel disagreed with India and China in some aspects of the disputes, which the United States says reflect efforts to shield American producers from Indian and Chinese competitors whose industries are subsidized.