GENEVA (CHATNEWSTV) — Canada and China have both launched formal disputes against the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO), challenging Washington’s latest tariff measures on their exports.
Ottawa’s complaint, circulated to WTO members on March 5, argues that the additional U.S. ad valorem duties—25% on non-energy goods and 10% on energy goods—violate key provisions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994 and the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
“These tariffs are unjustified and inconsistent with WTO rules,” a Canadian trade official said. “We will take all necessary steps to protect Canadian businesses and workers.”
Meanwhile, China has submitted a revised dispute settlement request, challenging a U.S. tariff increase from 10% to 20% on all Chinese-origin products. The updated complaint, also circulated March 5, expands on China’s original WTO filing from February 4.
The WTO’s dispute process begins with consultations, allowing parties 60 days to reach a resolution. If talks fail, Canada and China can escalate their cases by requesting adjudication by a dispute panel.
Washington has not formally responded to either challenge but has previously defended the tariffs as measures to protect U.S. industries.
