Mexico to file complaint at the WTO over the US new aluminium and steel tariffs

Following the European Union, Mexico announced on Monday, June 4, 2018, that it would file a complaint with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the US additional tariffs on imported aluminium and steel.

The economy ministry said in this regard, “it will initiate a dispute settlement process under the umbrella" of the WTO, and that its actions will continue to follow the state of international commercial law and will be proportional to the damage that Mexico regrettably received."

The European Union and Mexico have already opened legal challenges to the United States at the WTO. Mexico, following their path, submitted a request for consultations with the US over the additional tariffs. It argued that the tariffs imposed on the grounds of national security were not relevant to the WTO rules and also violated the 1994 General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade.

 As reported, Mexico would impose retaliatory duties on a variety of US goods. Those penalties would continue to be in place until the United States government eliminates the tariffs, declared Mexico government.

Besides, many other US allies also reacted to the tariffs with retaliation, fearing a global trade war.

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and his Canadian counterpart, Justin Trudeau involved into a discussion as soon as Washington announced the new duties.

Mexico’s domestic business sector also provided the country with the necessary backing in the dispute. "We support the position of the Mexican government to impose the equivalent measure on diverse products," Mexico's Business Coordinating Council said of the retaliatory tariffs.