Canada Files WTO Complaint Against U.S. Tariffs on Steel and Aluminum
Canada challenges 25% tariffs imposed by the U.S. under the Trump administration, citing international trade obligations.
On March 13, 2025, Canada formally lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the 25% tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump on steel and aluminum imports.
The WTO, based in Geneva, announced the initiation of this dispute resolution process in a statement.
The tariffs, which came into effect on March 12, 2025, have been deemed "incompatible with the obligations of the United States" in the context of international trade by Canadian officials.
Canada is the largest supplier of steel and aluminum to the United States, making it particularly affected by these tariffs.
In a prior statement, President Trump had considered the possibility of doubling the tariffs on goods imported from Canada before retracting that proposition.
Prior to this latest complaint, Ottawa had also filed a grievance with the WTO regarding the broad 25% tariffs applied by the Trump administration on a majority of Canadian imports into the U.S. However, President Trump temporarily suspended most of these tariffs against both Canada and Mexico until early April 2025.
The WTO's dispute resolution framework outlines several procedural steps.
Initially, consultations are held between the disputing parties to seek an amicable settlement.
Should these consultations fail to reach an agreement, the complainant may request the formation of a special panel consisting of three or potentially five experts to review the case.
Subsequently, parties have the option to appeal the panel's findings.
The WTO, based in Geneva, announced the initiation of this dispute resolution process in a statement.
The tariffs, which came into effect on March 12, 2025, have been deemed "incompatible with the obligations of the United States" in the context of international trade by Canadian officials.
Canada is the largest supplier of steel and aluminum to the United States, making it particularly affected by these tariffs.
In a prior statement, President Trump had considered the possibility of doubling the tariffs on goods imported from Canada before retracting that proposition.
Prior to this latest complaint, Ottawa had also filed a grievance with the WTO regarding the broad 25% tariffs applied by the Trump administration on a majority of Canadian imports into the U.S. However, President Trump temporarily suspended most of these tariffs against both Canada and Mexico until early April 2025.
The WTO's dispute resolution framework outlines several procedural steps.
Initially, consultations are held between the disputing parties to seek an amicable settlement.
Should these consultations fail to reach an agreement, the complainant may request the formation of a special panel consisting of three or potentially five experts to review the case.
Subsequently, parties have the option to appeal the panel's findings.
