By intern reporter Li Zengxin

China experienced rapid growth in international trade disputes in 2007, and the number of cases are likely to increase into this year, said Li Ling, head of the Treaty and Law Department at Ministry of Commerce April 27.

In the first quarter of this year, companies from eight countries have filed 17 anti-dumping and anti-subsidy claims against Chinese firms, involving goods worth a total of US＄ 2 billion. Among them, five cases involved U.S. Section 337 investigations over alleged IPR infringement.

Anti-subsidy claims will continue on as a possible flash point in trade relations. Prior to 2007, Canada was the only country that had filed anti-subsidy cases against Chinese firms. Now the U.S, Australia and Uzbekistan have joined the choir.

The industries being targeted so far include steel, shipping, machine manufacturing and textile. In 2007 China had a 46 percent increase in steel exports triggering 14 allegations with claims amounting to US＄ 1.75 billion.

Since the textile export quota system imposed by the U.S. will expire in 2009, the commerce official warned against rising disputes on textiles.

Li advised Chinese firms to act together by forming trade associations representing Chinese interests in future trade disputes.