美國對中共421特別防衛調查評析

Analysis on US's China-specific safeguard Investigation

421特別防衛調查，係美國依據1974年美國貿易法第421條的規定，特別針對中國特定的輸美產品，所施行的歧視性特別防衛調查。其目的在防止或補救，中國特定的輸美產品，藉由美國所授予的永久性最惠國待遇，大量湧入美國，不當干擾美國市場，損及美國本土的經濟利益。美國421條款的歧視性規範，雖然明顯違反WTO防衛協定之不歧視貿易救濟原則，但美國的421經驗，已於WTO會員間發酵。一旦中國的特定出口品成為WTO會員採行雙重防衛措施的對象，則該產品之出口商所承受的損失將難以估算。鑑於兩岸經貿往來頻繁，尤其是目前仍有為數不少台商的情況下，政府實宜正視此一趨勢的發展，研擬相關的因應策略，以免遭受到不利之影響。為此，本文提首先針對421條款的立法背景、實質啟動要件、與程序性規範進行分析，並討論美對中之421特別防衛調查概況，最後再就421條款對中國可能產生之衝擊與影響作一論述。

Section 421 is a special statute that applies only to imports from China. It was added to the Trade Act of 1974 by the U.S.-China Relations Act of 2000 which established permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) with China and paved the way for China's accession to the WTO. The provision aimed to assuage protectionist fears of PNTR by establishing a special ''safeguard'' to deal with increased imports from China. Under section 421, imposition of the recommended trade restrictions is a matter of presidential discretion. The president's decision illustrates, in fact, the current administration's desire not to allow Sino-American trade relations to become embroiled in a vicious, escalating cycle of trade disputes. This discriminatory provision against Chinese Products, which is inconsistent with WTO principles, would cause negative effects on Chinese imports. In short, the market-disruption provision are potentially powerful weapons. This article will provides a step-by-step analysis on 421 provisions. It compares and contrasts section 421 provisions with the WTO Agreements relating to safeguards. And finally, it would access how negative effects of section 421 would put on China.