The United States, European Union, and Japan have filed a case against the World Trade Organization, arguing that China’s export restrictions on rare earth minerals commonly used in electronics has become too strict. The 17 rare minerals are found in most electronics produced today, including “flat-screen televisions, smart phones, hybrid car batteries, wind turbines, energy-efficient lighting, electronics, cars and petroleum.” The case opened by the U.S., E.U. and Japan “accuses “China of increasing prices outside China while lowering them within the country, creating unfair advantages.” The purpose of the law suit is to pressure China to lower exportation limits and restrictions, while China claims “they are in line with World Trade Organization regulations, and that the restrictions are due to environmental concerns.”
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