According to local media reports, Taiwan has formally requested World Trade Organization (WTO) consultations with Canada regarding recently introduced Canadian tariff measures affecting steel and steel products.
The Taiwanese government has confirmed that the request relates to Canadian tariff quotas (TRQs) and a 50 percent surtax on certain steel products, which were introduced in June, as previously reported by SteelOrbis, and then amended in November to include 25 percent global tariff on select steel-derived products.
Taiwan's position and impact on the industry
According to Taiwanese government agencies, recent protective measures taken by Canada, as well as Mexico and the European Union, are aimed at preventing cheap steel from China from entering domestic markets, but have had a significant negative impact on Taiwan's steel exports.
Tariff quotas alone can cost Taiwan's steel sector more than NT$1.7 billion (US$54 million) per year. For steel products such as screws and nuts, Taiwanese exporters could face additional tariffs exceeding NT$1.3 billion (US$41 million) per year if export volumes remain unchanged. WTO obligations. The decision to hold WTO consultations follows a request from the Taiwan Steel and Iron Industry Association, which called on the government to begin negotiations aimed at reaching a mutually acceptable solution.
Under WTO procedures, the consultation phase allows both sides up to 60 days to reach an agreed outcome. If no agreement is reached within this period, Taiwan may request the creation of a dispute settlement panel at the WTO
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