What kind of trade restrictions and protectionist policies continue after WTO entry?
It must be observed that certain trade restrictions and protectionist policies-both inside China and in other countries-continue after accession. For example, other WTO member states have the protection of a twelve-year Transitional Safeguard Mechanism. Under this protection, other WTO member nations may restrict imports of Chinese products where it can be shown that unfettered access would cause market disruption for the domestic producers. In addition, restrictions against imports from China by other member nations, in a manner inconsistent with the WTO agreements, would generally be phased out. On the other hand, China will retain exclusive domestic trading rights for cereals, tobaccos, fuels and minerals. In addition, some restrictions on transportation and distribution of goods within China are permitted to continue.
