Canada has initiated a formal complaint [1] with the World Trade Organization (WTO) in response to the United States’ imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel imports. The U.S. recently increased tariffs on steel to 25%, ending exemptions and duty-free quotas that were previously in place for Canadian steel products. This decision has heightened trade tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The complaint, lodged on March 13, 2025, argues that these tariffs violate international trade rules under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994. Canada, a significant steel exporter to the U.S., has emphasized that the tariffs pose economic risks, impacting industries, infrastructure projects, and workers reliant on steel trade across the border.
The WTO dispute resolution process will begin with consultations between Canada and the U.S. to seek a mutual agreement. If these discussions fail to produce a resolution within 60 days, the case could move to a formal panel for adjudication. The outcome of this case is expected to have far-reaching implications for the steel industry in both nations.
Sources:
[1] Canada initiates WTO dispute complaint on US steel, aluminium duties https://www.reuters.com/world/canada-initiates-wto-dispute-complaint-us-steel-aluminium-duties-2025-03-13/