The raw materials in question are bauxite, coke, fluorspar, magnesium, manganese, silicon metal, silicon carbide, yellow phosphorus and zinc.

The United States and the European Union have criticized the curbs for providing preferential conditions for Chinese industries that use the metals and distorting the international market and competition.

In June, they lodged a complaint against China with the Geneva-based global trade referee. In August, Mexico also requested formal consultations with China with the WTO over the curbs.

The critics of the Chinese export curbs sought the panel's establishment after they failed to find a solution via consultations with the Chinese government.

China is being accused of imposing quotas, duties and procedural restrictions on exports of those metals.