European Union seeks safeguards from WTO over US aluminium and steel tariffs

The European Union’s temporary relief from the US imported aluminium and steel tariffs is approaching an end since the impunity is valid only until May 1, 2018 and is subject to further discussion.

The White House said, “By May 1, 2018, the president will decide whether to continue to exempt these countries from the tariffs, based on the status of the discussions.”

So, following China, the European Union today April 17, 2018 corresponded with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) seeking safeguards from the US tariffs on imported aluminium and steel.

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

The United States had granted the exemption to European Union and other countries like Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Korea for avoiding a trade war with key allies since Trump’s tariffs had sparked outrage among European officials. The latter had lobbied hard for the exemption and even threatened to impose trade penalties on a long list of American products, as an act of retaliation.

One senior EU official had also pointed out that the exemption was temporary and negotiations would continue to turn it to permanent. "As long as we have it, we are relieved," said the official.

In regards to today’s discussion with WTO, Brussels said in a document that this correspondence is 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.