WTO makes final decision confirming illegality US steel safeguard tariffs

WTO makes final decision confirming illegality US steel safeguard tariffs

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has announced its final ruling regarding the US S201 safeguard measures on imports of steel products, initially implemented on March 2002 in order to protect its domestic steel industry. A three-member WTO Dispute Settlement Body panel made the final decision and confirmed the preliminary decision made on March 26, 2003. Comments were made from the US side that the final decision of WTO may undercut the ongoing consolidation process in the US. While keeping the tariffs in force for the time being, it is widely expected that the US will appeal to this final decision made against its safeguards.