On WTO ruling on China's raw materials export restrictions

" This final ruling is a great success in our efforts to ensure fair access to the much needed raw materials for EU industry. The WTO's decision has confirmed that China's export restrictions on these raw materials are incompatible with the WTO rules. It sends a clear signal that such measures cannot be used as a protectionist tool to boost domestic industry at the expense of foreign competition. China now must comply by removing these export restrictions swiftly and furthermore, I expect China to bring its overall export regime - including for rare earths - in line with WTO rules. "

— EU Trade Commissioner De Gucht, 30 January 2012

• Read the press release on the WTO ruling.