WTO decides to investigate US tariffs on steel and aluminum

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has agreed to set up teams within its Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) to decide whether US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports comply with WTO rules, a spokesman in Geneva said.

China and the European Union (EU), along with Mexico, Norway, Russia, Canada and Turkey, oppose Washington's measures, which they say are not for national security reasons, but for American economic interests.

In June, the United States imposed 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports, citing a national security exemption. DSB agreed to establish separate panels for filing complaints.

At the same time, India and Switzerland submitted their first requests for panels to regulate US steel and aluminum tariffs.

Like seven other members, they argued that US action, in substance and substance, defended the measure, raising concerns that the United States is using national security as an excuse for tariffs.

Meanwhile, the United States has secured the creation of four teams to study countermeasures imposed by Canada, China, the EU and Mexico on certain US imports in response to steel and aluminum tariffs.

In his report on Thursday, WTO Director General Roberto Azevedo issued a warning following a new report saying new import restriction measures have reached a new high.

He said the report's findings “could be a serious problem for the G20 governments and the entire international community,” warning that further escalation remains a real threat.

“If we continue at our current rate, economic risks will increase with potential implications for growth, jobs and consumer prices around the world,” Azevedo said.