Canada files WTO challenge of US tariffs and vows to work with EU

  • Canada filed a challenge against U.S. tariffs with the World Trade Organization.
  • Canada claims U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum are inconsistent with U.S. trade obligations and WTO rules.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland during news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 31, 2018.
Chris Wattie | Reuters
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland during news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, May 31, 2018.

Canada filed a challenge to the U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum with the World Trade Organization on Friday and said it will request a Chapter 20 panel under the North American Free Trade Agreement on Friday in response to the U.S. move.

"These unilateral tariffs, imposed under a false pretext of safeguarding U.S. national security, are inconsistent with the United States international trade obligations and WTO rules," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement.

"Canada will closely collaborate with the European Union, which also filed a WTO challenge today, as well as with other like-minded countries, on opposing these tariffs," she added.