Final answer:
The WTO in 2003 ruled trading companies to be in violation of international trade rules, thus starting a major trade dispute with the European Union. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
The WTO in 2003 ruled C. trading companies to be in violation of international trade rules, thus starting a major trade dispute with the European Union.
In the context of types of domestic middlemen, trading companies are entities that specialize in facilitating trade between buyers and sellers in different countries.
They may act as intermediaries by purchasing goods from manufacturers and selling them to foreign buyers, or by assisting in the negotiation and arrangement of international sales contracts.
The WTO ruled trading companies to be in violation of international trade rules, possibly due to specific practices or actions that were deemed unfair or against the principles of free and fair trade. Option C. is the correct one.