China to properly address US auto complaint

BEIJING - The Ministry of Commerce announced on Friday that China will properly handle a consultation request filed by the US to the World Trade Organization over the nation's anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on cars imported from the United States.

The United States on Thursday lodged a consultation request to the WTO's dispute settlement body over China's duties on car imports from the world's largest economy, according to a statement posted on the MOC's website.

"China will properly handle relevant consultation requests in accordance with WTO dispute settlement procedures," the statement said.

In December last year, China announced that it would levy anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on sedans and sport-utility vehicles with engines of 2.5 liters and above imported from the United States, after an investigation showed evidence of dumping.

US carmakers, including General Motors and the Chrysler Group, have received government subsidies and dumped their vehicles into the Chinese market, which has harmed China's auto industry, according to the MOC.

The duties are set to expire on Dec 14, 2013.