Perspectivas de tensões comerciais internacionais a partir do diferendo na Organização Mundial de Comércio das restrições chinesas às exportações de terras raras

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the formation of the panel, under the WTO framework, driven by the United States, European Union and Japan against China, having as its main subject China's policy of restrictions on exports of rare earths, a fact that undermines technological development of these countries, because China holds the monopoly on the production of these minerals. This research also aims to understand the importance and application of rare earths in the contemporary world and whether the rules of the WTO will be able to resolve the conflict of economic and strategic interests of the parts involved in the dispute. With this aim, we are going to make a case study, presenting the question and we will analyze, from the perspective of WTO, its ability to resolve the conflict. This is a qualitative academic work, based on analysis of the process in the WTO, statements and official reports of the Organization, the U.S., European Union, Japan and China, as well as papers that address the issue. We conclude that the controversy not only covers the purely economic aspects, but starts a relevant discussion on the geopolitical world that leaves the question about conflict resolution beyond the scope of the WTO.