United States challenges China, EU, Canada, Mexico, Turkey at WTO over steel tariffs
US trade representative says countries’ retaliation to import taxes violates rules of Geneva-based World Trade Organisation
The United States on Monday brought cases against China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico and Turkey to the World Trade Organisation for retaliating against American tariffs on imported steel and aluminium.
Washington imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium on the grounds that the imported metals pose a threat to national security. China, the EU, Canada, Mexico and Turkey have counterpunched with taxes on more than US$24 billion worth of US exports.
US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said the retaliation violated the rules of the Geneva-based WTO, which mediates trade disputes.
“Instead of working with us to address a common problem, some of our trading partners have elected to respond with retaliatory tariffs designed to punish American workers, farmers and companies,” he said.
If the WTO agrees that the retaliatory duties violate its rules, it would assess the damage and calculate the tariffs that the United States would be entitled to impose in response – retaliation for the retaliation. But WTO proceedings can drag on for years.
