Due to the complex nature of the investigation compared to anti-dumping measures, countervailing/anti-subsidy measures are less frequently used. However, there has been a sharp increasing trend in the number of anti-subsidy investigations since 2010. In 2020, the total number of countervailing investigations reached a peak with 56 cases. However, in 2021, the number of cases decreased significantly to only 18 cases.

Figure 1: Anti-subsidy investigations initiated over the years

Source: WTO data

Countries using Anti-subsidy measures

The United States is the major user of countervailing measures with 301 initiations and 203 impositions, followed by the EU with 92 initiations and 46 tariff impositions, Canada (77 initiations, 40  impositions). It is clear that developed countries use countervailing measures more frequently, although the total number of countervailing investigations is still much less than anti-dumping investigations.

Figure 2: Top countries using Anti-subsidy measures: Initiating and Imposing (1995-2021)

Source: WTO data

Countries subject to Anti-subsidy measures

Out of a total of 651 countervailing initiations as of December 31, 2021, 196 cases were initiated against Chinese goods (accounting for 30%) and out of those 196 initiations, there were 145 cases subject to countervailing duty. After China, India was the second major user with 96 initiations and 60 impositions.

Figure 3: Top countries subject to Anti-subsidy measures: Initiated and imposed (1995-2021)

Source: WTO data

Sectors subject to Anti-subsidy measures

According to WTO data from 1995-2021, base metals and articles are subject to the most countervailing duty globally, accounting for 50% of all cases, followed by chemical and allied industries (accounting for 9%), plastics and rubber (accounting for 8%).

Figure 4: Sectors subject to the most Anti-subsidy duty globally (1995-2021)

 

Source: WTO data

 

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade