  
  
WT/DS594/2  
 
18 February 2020  
(20-1221) Page: 1/1 
  Original: English  
 
KOREA – MEASURES AFF ECTING TRADE IN COMM ERCIAL VESSELS   
(SECOND COMPLAINT) ( JAPAN)  
REQUEST TO JOIN CONS ULTATIONS  
Communication from the European Union  
The following communication, dated  14 February 2020 , from the delegation of the European Union  
to the delegation of Korea , and the delegation of Japan,  is circulated to the Dispute Settlement Body 
in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.  
 
_______________  
 
 
Pursuant to Article 4.11 of the Understanding o n Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of 
Disputes (DSU), the European Union (EU) hereby notifies the Government of the Republic of Korea , 
the Government of Japan, and the Dispute Settlement Body that, in the light of its substantial trade 
interes t, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by Japan in a communication circulated 
to WTO Members on 10 February 2020 (WT/DS594/1, G/SCM/D129/1, G/L/1354), entitled 
"Korea  - Measures affecting Trade in Commercial Vessels ( Second complaint) (J apan)".  
 
The EU notes that the request for consultations relates to a number of alleged export and local 
content subsidies provided by Korea directly, or through public or private institutions, to Korean 
shipbuilders or their customers . 
 
The EU is a major global producer and exporter of both ships and maritime equipment such as ship 
engines and navigational equipment. EU shipbuilders generate approximately 43 billion EUR of 
production value, directly employ 285 000 people and are successful in very complex,  technologically 
advanced markets. EU maritime equipment manufacturers and suppliers number some 28 000 firms, 
generate a total production value of 71.5 billion EUR, and directly employ 324 000 people . With a 
calculated tot al value of approximately 114.8  billion  EUR, the EU maritime technology industry 
(namely shipbuilders and maritime equipment manufacturers) is the global leader in terms of 
aggregated production value.  
 
The EU therefore has a substantial trade interest in these consu ltations.  
 
 
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