The U.S. struck back at retaliating nations this week, filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The U.S. complaint says the steel and aluminum tariffs imposed by the Trump administration were justified, but claim retaliation in response to the tariffs from trading partners was not justified. The complaint includes China, the European Union, Turkey, Canada and Mexico.
In a statement from the U.S. Trade Representative’s office, USTR Robert Lighthizer said of the retaliation: “These tariffs appear to breach each WTO Member’s commitments under the WTO Agreement.” Specifically, Lighthizer says the retaliations are designed to punish American workers, farmers and companies. In the statement, Lighthizer says the U.S. will “take all necessary actions to protect our interests,” while urging the five WTO members named in the complaint to “work constructively” with the United States to resolve the matter.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.