印度“红灯补贴”被置于聚光灯下

Core Viewpoint - The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that China has formally requested dispute resolution regarding India's trade measures on solar photovoltaic (PV) products and information technology (IT) products, marking another step by China to protect its industrial interests following a similar lawsuit concerning electric vehicles and battery subsidies [1]. Group 1: China's Actions - China has initiated a dispute resolution request at the WTO against India for measures that allegedly violate multiple WTO obligations, including tariff constraints and national treatment [1]. - The Chinese Ministry of Commerce claims that India's measures provide unfair competitive advantages to domestic industries and cause substantial harm to Chinese interests [1]. Group 2: India's Measures - India's core measures include the "Production-Linked Incentive" (PLI) scheme, which offers substantial subsidies to local manufacturing in sectors like IT and solar energy, imposes high tariffs on imports, and mandates local procurement [1]. - The tightening of India's "domestic content requirements" aims to restrict imports from specific countries, particularly China, by setting a "Domestic Value Added" (DVA) threshold of over 50% for products to qualify as local [2]. Group 3: Economic Implications - Analysts suggest that India's dual approach of high tariffs and domestic subsidies creates a significant cost disadvantage for imported products while enhancing the price competitiveness of local products [2]. - This strategy, characterized as "import substitution subsidies," is seen as discriminatory against imports and is in violation of WTO rules, specifically the prohibition of subsidies that distort international trade [2].