EU asks WTO for safeguards over US steel, aluminium tariffs

The European Union today followed China in complaining to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

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

US President Donald Trump sparked fears of a trade war in March when he decided to impose steep tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, primarily to target China, but also EU countries.

Brussels said in the document the aim of the discussions would be 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.

The EU said it wanted to hold the consultations "as soon as possible".

A European Commission source told AFP: "The discussions between the EU and the US are currently ongoing. Contacts continue at several levels, notably on the issue of global overcapacity in the steel and aluminium sectors.

"In these discussions, the European Commission is insisting on getting a full and unconditional exemption from the announced steel and aluminium tariffs." On April 5 China also filed a complaint with the WTO, but Beijing went through its Dispute Settlement Body.