WTO fails to back China's appeal over rare earths

The World Trade Organization ruled on Thursday against supporting China's appeal over restrictions on exports of rare earths, tungsten and molybdenum, forcing the country to improve its regulations on these raw materials.

"China has not demonstrated that the export quotas that China applies to various forms of rare earths, tungsten and molybdenum by virtue of the series of measures at issue are justified." the WTO said.

The Commerce Ministry said in a statement, "China will carefully evaluate the ruling and strengthen the regulation of resources with measures consistent with the WTO rules to boost resource protection and uphold fair competition."