EU Asks WTO for Safeguards over US Steel, Aluminium Tariffs

Geneva, Apr 17 (AFP) The European Union today followed China in complaining to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

"Having a substantial interest as an exporter in this case, the European Union requests consultations with the United States" to agree "safeguards", the EU said in a statement published on the world trade body's website.

US President Donald Trump sparked fears of a trade war in March when he decided to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, primarily to target China, but also EU countries.

Brussels said in the document the aim of the discussions would be to "exchange views and seek clarification regarding the proposed measures" and to reach "an understanding on ways to achieve" protection, as set out in the WTO's Agreement on Safeguards.

The EU said it wanted to hold the consultations "as soon as possible".

A European Commission source told AFP: "The discussions between the EU and the US are currently ongoing. Contacts continue at several levels, notably on the issue of global overcapacity in the steel and aluminium sectors.

"In these discussions, the European Commission is insisting on getting a full and unconditional exemption from the announced steel and aluminium tariffs." On April 5 China also filed a complaint with the WTO, but Beijing went through its Dispute Settlement Body. (AFP) CK

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)