China ‒ Domestic Support for Agricultural Producers: One Policy, Multiple Parameters Imply Modest Discipline

Abstract This paper assesses key issues in the dispute over United States’ claim that for certain grains China exceeded its limits on domestic support under Agreement Agriculture (AoA) during 2012–2015. The panel first determined base years reference price calculating China's market were 1996–1998, rather than 1986–1988 as stipulated AoA, and production geographic regions where programs operated, not smaller quantities purchased at administered prices, constituted eligible production. then found had each of four wheat, Indica rice, Japonica rice. possibility was left open a government can determine by setting maximum purchases prices regulatory framework. used this option to 2020 implemented recommendations rulings DSB. We argue use outdated fixed external measure gap define purchases, distance calculation AoA from economic measurement. measurement compound discord among Members levels agricultural support.