*GENEVA – Washington has launched an international trade complaint againstRussia’s decision to hike tariffs on some US goods last month, according toa document circulated to World Trade Organization members Wednesday.*
Russia announced on July 6 that it had raised duties on some imports fromthe US from 25 to 40 percent, in retaliation for a similar move byWashington.
In Wednesday’s filing, the US administration charged that the tariff hikewas “inconsistent” with several international trade rules, and highlightedthat Moscow does not impose similar tariffs on other WTO members.
Washington said it was therefore seeking WTO “consultations”, whichconstitute the first step in a full-blown legal challenge before the globaltrade body.
The move comes after Russia in June filed its own challenge at the WTO,accusing Washington of multiple violations of international trade rules inconnection with its decision to slap 25 percent on steel and 10 percent onaluminium.
It is among a number of powerful WTO members — including the EuropeanUnion, China, India, Mexico, Turkey and Canada — who are fighting backagainst President Donald Trump’s controversial trade policies.
Under WTO rules, if 60 days pass without consultations resolving thedispute, Switzerland can ask the body to set up dispute panel, triggering along and likely costly legal battle. – APP/AFP