Due to the complex nature of the investigation compared to Anti-dumping, Anti-subsidy measures are often less used. However, the number of Anti-subsidy investigations is generally on the rise. The peak in 2020 was 56 Anti-subsidy investigations. In the period 2021-2022, the number of cases has decreased significantly with only 18 cases in 2021 and 19 cases in 2022. However, this number has increased relatively in 2023 with 27 cases initiated.

Chart 1: Anti-subsidy investigation initiated over the years (1995-2023)

Source: WTO statistics

Countries/Territories using Anti-subsidy measures

The United States is the largest user of Anti-subsidy measures with 330 initiations and 217 impositions, followed by the EU (95 initiations, 49 duty impositions), and Canada (80 initiations, 43 duty 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 the number of Anti-dumping investigations.

Chart 2: Top countries using Anti-subsidy measures: Initiating and Imposing (1995-2023)

Source: WTO statistics

Countries/Territories subject to Anti-subsidy measures

Out of a total of 698 Anti-subsidy initiations as of December 31, 2023, there were 212 initiations against Chinese goods (accounting for 30.4%), of which 153 cases were subject to Anti-subsidy duties. After China, India is the second major user with 104 initiations and 67 impositions.

Chart 3: Top countries subject to Anti-subsidy measures: Initiated and imposed (1995-2023)

Source: WTO statistics

Sectors subject to Anti-Subsidy measures

According to WTO statistics from 1995-2023, base metals and articles are subject to the most Anti-subsidy duties globally, accounting for 49.3% of all imposed measures, followed by chemical and allied industries (accounting for 10.1%) and plastics and rubber (accounting for 7.5%).

Chart 4: Top sectors subject to Anti-subsidy measures globally (1995-2023)

Source: WTO statistics

Source: Center for WTO and International Trade - VCCI