The European Communities requested a WTO panel to decide whether U.S. Sections 301−310 [the Act] violated GATT dispute settlement procedures. The Act permits the USTR to investigate possible violations of GATT or other international trade agreements, to negotiate a settlement of the dispute, and to request a WTO dispute settlement panel if necessary. The Act also permits the USTR to impose retaliatory tariffs or other trade sanctions either unilaterally or if authorized by the WTO Dispute Settlement Body. The EC argued that the Act violated WTO rules.
1. What did the panel mean by "unilateralism"?
2. If a trade dispute arises, what is the proper procedure under WTO rules for settling that dispute?