EU to join US-China consultation over aluminium and steel tariffs at WTO

According to the report by WTO on Monday April 23, 2018, The European Union has formally made a request to join discussions over US imported aluminium and steel tariffs, initiated by China at the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

China had initiated the dispute earlier this month amid tensions between Beijing and Washington over US imported aluminium and steel tariffs. Moreover, Trump had introduced extra tariffs on US$60 in Chinese exports over allegations of intellectual property theft.

The statement published on Monday reads, "The European Union (the EU) hereby notifies the Government of the United States, the Government of China, and the Dispute Settlement Body that, in the light of its substantial trade interest, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by China in a communication circulated to WTO Members on 9 April 2018 (WT/DS544/1; G/L/1222), entitled ‘United States – Certain measures on steel and aluminium products’."

According to the WTO, EU is interested in joining the consultation because if the exemption ends the US measures will hit EU exports. A European Commission source said in this respect, it was obvious that EU would seek to join the consultation and submit its own views, considering the WTO as the appropriate forum to settle disputes.

India, Russia, Norway, Singapore, Switzerland, Turkey, and Venezuela also seek to join China for expressing their concerns regarding the tariffs.