EU appeals to the WTO for damages from the US for duties on steel and aluminum

The European Union is seeking losses from the United States on import duties on steel and aluminum, despite Washington's claims that the tariffs are not in conflict with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, according to a WTO complaint released on Monday.

Following China's example, the EU has said that it does not recognize the rationale for US tariffs on the basis of "national security" because, in its opinion, the real reason for introducing them is to protect its own industry.

“While the United States characterizes these security measures, they are essentially protective measures,” the EU said in a statement.

Imported protection duties can be imposed on a specific commodity if its increased imports could seriously harm its own industry. According to critics of President Donald Trump's policies, in the case of current US tariffs, this argument is unfounded.

The EU declares its readiness to consult with the US on this matter as soon as possible.

The imposition of a duty on steel and aluminum, Trump announced last month, has been criticized around the world as an unfounded and populist move. States can take advantage of exemptions from many WTO rules if they can prove that they impose tariffs to ensure national security. However, such exclusions do not apply to protection sanctions.

The European Union and other US allies are concerned that tariffs will reduce their exports to the United States, and steel that is not allowed there will return to their markets, leading to excessive US demand.