The World Trade Organization's political body that resolves trade disputes between member governments has approved China's request to form a panel to review Türkiye's restrictive measures on autos imported from the Asian country, according to authoritative sources.

The Dispute Settlement Body gave the green light to set up the panel on Feb. 24, the sources told Yicai. Under WTO rules, the panel must submit a report within six months of its establishment, which can be extended to nine months in exceptional circumstances, they noted.

Last June, Türkiye announced that it would impose additional import tariffs of 40 percent on electric vehicles and other China-made autos starting in July, alongside import licensing restrictions.

Following unsuccessful bilateral consultations initiated by China last October, the country requested the WTO to establish a review panel on Jan. 16. At subsequent WTO meetings, Chinese representatives argued that Türkiye's measures violated the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994.

Türkiye's measures are protectionist and discriminatory, contravening the nation's WTO obligations, including Most-Favored-Nation Treatment, tariff bindings, and the general elimination of quantitative restrictions, according to the Chinese representatives.