Canada launches a WTO complaint on US steel, aluminum tariffs

World trade headquarters (WTO). File. | Credit on photo: Reuters

Canada launched a complaint to the World Trade Organization on Thursday (March 13, 2025). Introducing 25% of tariffs for steel and aluminum imports.

The steep fees, which came into force on Wednesday, did not contain exceptions, despite the efforts of the countries to prevent them.

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“Canada has asked for WTO disputes with the United States to impose import duties on certain steel and aluminum products from Canada,” the WTO reads.

“Canada argues that measures that stop release from Canada from additional duties on certain steel and aluminum products and increase the responsibilities for aluminum articles and which have come into force on March 12, do not meet the US obligations,” the Global Trade Body said.

Canada is a leading steel supplier to the United States, followed by Brazil and then the European Union.

The United States imports about half of steel and aluminum used in the country for the manufacture of items, ranging from cars and aircraft to jars for non -alcoholic beverages.

Mr. Trump’s goal is to protect the decline of the American metal industry because it is faced with increasing competition, especially from Asia.

Canada’s request officially initiates a dispute in the WTO Geneva.

Consultations give the parties the opportunity to discuss this issue and find a satisfactory decision without continuing further trial.

After 60 days, if the consultations have not been able to resolve the dispute, the complainant may require a college.

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Canada launched a separate WTO complaint on March 4 on Mr. Trump’s previous tariff maneuvers.

Shortly after Mr. Trump returned to his post on January 20, he declared – then suspended – he stitched 25% of import tariffs from large trading partners of Canada and Mexico, accusing them of stopping illegal immigration and drug trafficking.