SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 17: Climate Action
Institutions: Ministry of Commerce and Industry; Ministry of Steel
China has formally initiated a dispute at the World Trade Organization, requesting consultations with Canada over the imposition of surtaxes and tariff-rate quotas on steel and aluminium imports. The contested Canadian measures include surcharge regimes applied to products originating from nations without free trade agreements - China among them - and additional tariffs on goods containing Chinese-origin steel or aluminium. Consultation is the WTOβs first step to resolve trade disagreements before considering adjudication and must conclude within 60 days to allow progression to a formal panel if unresolved.
The move reflects deepening trade tensions, with Beijing characterising the measures as protectionist and contrary to WTO rules. This development signals growing friction over industrial goods and tariff regimes between major trade partners.
Relevant question for policy stakeholders: How can India bolster its trade remedy and compliance mechanisms to navigate similar WTO disputes and ensure fair trade treatment while protecting domestic industries?
Follow the full news here:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news25_e/ds641rfc_20aug25_e.htm