China Seeks WTO Dispute Talks Against US Steel, Aluminium Tariffs

China is refusing to take the tariffs on aluminium and steel imposed by the United States (US), lying down. It has now upped the ante in its trade dispute with the US and has moved the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the tariffs.

A WTO statement said China sought dispute consultations on the tariffs on Monday (9 April), with the request being circulated to all the members.

China’s move follows US President Donald Trump signing an order imposing the tariffs last month to protect the domestic industry. Last week, the US Trade Representative proposed 25 per cent tariffs on over 1,300 Chinese industrial and other products, from flat-panel televisions to electronic components. China hit back within 12 hours with a list of proposed duties on $50 billion of American imports, including soybeans, aircraft, cars, beef, pork, and chemicals. The US has warned that it could target another $100 billion Chinese products for tariff.

China’s request for the consultation formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. The countries with the trade dispute will now hold consultations within 60 days to find a solution and not proceed further with litigation. If no solution is found within the 60-day deadline, China can request for the setting up of a panel to adjudicate the dispute.