Despite WTO Ruling... US Refuses to Remove Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled that the tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum imposed during former U.S. President Donald Trump's administration violated regulations, but the U.S. government rejected this ruling.

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) stated in a spokesperson's release on the 9th (local time), "The United States strongly rejects the incorrect interpretation and decision," affirming its position to maintain the tariffs. USTR argued, "The United States has maintained for the past 70 years that national security issues cannot be addressed by the WTO dispute settlement body," adding, "This decision only confirms the need for WTO reform."

Previously, in 2018, the United States imposed high tariffs and limited import volumes on steel and aluminum produced in China, the European Union (EU), and other countries under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, which allows emergency trade sanctions for national security reasons to protect its domestic steel industry. In response, China, the EU, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Russia, and Switzerland filed complaints, claiming that these tariffs violated the fundamental rights guaranteed by the WTO. The Joe Biden administration renegotiated with the EU, Japan, and the United Kingdom last year.