Steel, Aluminum, and the WTO’s Pandora’s Box – Part III

Source: Trade Law
Link: Steel, Aluminum, and the WTO’s Pandora’s Box – Part III

On May 31, 2018 the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Wilbur Ross announced that the section 232 tariff on steel and the 10% tariff on aluminum would go into effect June 1^st with respect to imports from Canada, the EU, and Mexico. All three had been give exceptions following the March  8^th decision by the U.S. president to impose these measures pursuant to section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act 1962 on the basis of national security concerns.

For more details regarding the decision and the products covered see our earlier report –  http://www.wl-tradelaw.com/steel-aluminum-and-the-wtos-pandoras-box-part-ii/ and https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/232-tariffs-aluminum-and-steel

Earlier this month the U.S. Administration announced the initiation of a section 232 investigation into the imports of auto on a global basis (including Canada and Mexico).

Canada, the EU. and Mexico reacted quickly with plans to launch trade challenges (WTO, NAFTA) and to retaliate within the next several weeks.   For more details on Canada’s $16.6 Billion list of suggested products to be targeted (to be targeted commencing) July 1^st ) see – https://www.fin.gc.ca/activty/consult/cacsap-cmpcaa-eng.asp  Note Canadian individuals and firms are invited to comment within the next 15 days.

More to follow.