In order for one Member to implement trade remedies against another, it must be satisfied that the harm to its domestic industry was the result of imports, rather than some other factor(s). In order for a Member to be satisfied in this way, it must perform both: (1) a causal link analysis, and (2) a non-attribution analysis. In interpreting the relevant provisions concerned with the causal link and non-attribution analysis, the Appellate Body (AB) has consistently found that injury to the domestic industry need not be the product of imports alone – that is, it may be the result of a combination of imports and other factors. Accordingly, many commentators have queried the utility of separating imports from other causal factors at the non-attribution stage. This article argues that these two apparently contradictory positions may be reconciled if they are interpreted such that the causal contribution from imports must reach a minimum threshold, whilst also providing some tolerance for other factors. This article argues in favour of using econometric tests as a means of measuring and separating the causal contributions of imports vis-à-vis other factors and allocating responsibility to each. The article concludes by proposing a three-step non-attribution and causal link analysis.

中文翻译：

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贸易救济适用中的因果关系认定

为了让一个成员对另一个成员实施贸易救济，必须确信对其国内产业的损害是进口的结果，而不是其他一些因素。为了使成员以这种方式得到满足，它必须执行以下两项操作：(1) 因果关系分析，以及 (2) 非归因分析。在解释有关因果关系和非归因分析的相关规定时，上诉机构（AB）一贯认为，对国内产业的损害不一定是进口产品，即可能是进口和其他因素的结合。因此，许多评论员质疑在非归因阶段将进口与其他因果因素分开的效用。本文认为，如果将这两个明显矛盾的立场解释为进口的因果贡献必须达到最低阈值，同时也对其他因素提供一定的容忍度，则可以调和它们。本文主张使用计量经济学检验作为衡量和区分进口与其他因素的因果关系并为每个因素分配责任的手段。文章最后提出了一个三步非归因和因果链接分析。本文主张使用计量经济学检验作为衡量和区分进口与其他因素的因果关系并为每个因素分配责任的手段。文章最后提出了一个三步非归因和因果链接分析。本文主张使用计量经济学检验作为衡量和区分进口与其他因素的因果关系并为每个因素分配责任的手段。文章最后提出了一个三步非归因和因果链接分析。