The decision marks the first time the WTO has authorised China to impose tariffs in a trade dispute

A World Trade Organization arbitrator on Friday authorised China to slap tariffs on U.S. imports worth up to $3.58 billion annually in a years-long dispute over U.S. anti-dumping practices, a trade official said.

China had asked the WTO for permission to hit the US with more than $7 billion in tariffs in the case.

The decision marks the first time the WTO has authorised China to impose tariffs in a trade dispute.