Due to the complex nature of the investigation compared to Anti-Dumping measures, Anti-subsidy measures are less often used. 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, from 2021 to 2022, the number of cases has decreased significantly to only 18 cases in 2021 and 19 cases in 2022.  

Chart 1: Anti-subsidy investigation initiated over the years (1995-2022)

Source: WTO statistics

Countries/Territories using Anti-subsidy measures

The United States is the largest user of Anti-subsidy measures with 311 initiations and 212 impositions, followed by the EU (93 initiations, 49 tariff impositions) and Canada (79 initiations, 42 tariff impositions). It is clear that developed countries use countervailing measures more often, although the total number of Anti-subsidy investigations is still much less than that of Anti-Dumping investigations.

Chart 2: Top countries using Anti-subsidy measures: Initiating and Imposing (1995-2022)

Source: WTO statistics

Countries/Territories subject to Anti-subsidy measures

Out of a total of 671 Anti-subsidy initiations as of December 31, 2022, there were 200 initiations against Chinese goods (accounting for 30%), of which 150 were subject to Anti-subsidy duties. After China, India is the second major user with 100 initiations and 64 impositions.

Chart 3: Top countries subject to Anti-subsidy measures: Initiated and imposed (1995-2022)

 Source: WTO statistics

Sectors subject to Anti-Subsidy measures

According to WTO statistics from 1995-2022, base metals and articles are subject to the most Anti-subsidy duties globally, accounting for 50.6% of all imposed measures, followed by chemical and allied industries (accounting for 9.2%); plastics and rubber (accounting for 7.7%).  

Chart 4: Top sectors subject to Anti-subsidy measures globally (1995-2022)

Source: WTO statistics

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade - VCCI