(Reuters) - Trade judges on Tuesday ruled that China violated trade law by restricting exports of certain raw materials crucial for industrial production, dealing a victory to the United States, the European Union and Mexico.

"The panel found that China's export duties were inconsistent with the commitments that China had agreed to in its protocol of accession," the World Trade Organization said in a statement, referring to its legal panel.

"The panel also found that export quotas imposed by China on some of the raw materials were inconsistent with WTO rules."

The United States, the EU and Mexico took China to the WTO in 2009, saying restrictions on mineral exports such as bauxite and magnesium discriminated against foreign manufacturers and give an unfair advantage to domestic producers who use them.

July 5, 2011

Source: Reuters