On Thursday, Canada filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization about the customs duties imposed by the US administration on steel and aluminum products.
The World Trade Organization said, in a statement, that Canada had requested consultations with the United States on customs duties on steel and aluminum products coming from Canada.
The organization added that the Canadian request was circulated to the members of the World Trade Organization on the same day, and indicated that Canada confirms the conflict of customs definitions with Washington’s obligations under the General Convention on Customs and Trade Definitions.
On March 5, Canada filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization against the decision of the US administration to impose customs duties by 25% on the goods imported from them.
Canada said that the customs duties imposed by the United States by 25% on imported goods and 10% on energy resources are not compatible with a number of terms of the General Agreement for Customs and Trade Definitions for the year 1994, and the Facilitation of Trade of the World Trade Organization.
Canada is the main supplier of steel to the United States, followed by Brazil and then the European Union.
Protection of the American industry
The United States imports about half of the steel and aluminum used in the country in making various products, from cars and aircraft to soft drink boxes.
Trump aims to protect the deteriorating US steel industry in light of its increasing competition, especially from Asia.
Canada’s request is to hold an official start of a conflict in the Geneva -based trade organization.
Consultations provide the parties an opportunity to discuss the issue and find a sick solution without resorting to litigation.
After 60 days, if the consultations fail to resolve the conflict, the complainant may request the dismissal by a committee.
