U.S. slams everyone over tariff retaliation

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration on Monday brought cases against China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico and Turkey at the World Trade Organization for retaliating against American tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

The United States has imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum on the grounds that the imported metals pose a threat to U.S. national security. China, the EU, Canada, Mexico and Turkey have counterpunched with taxes on more than $24 billion worth of U.S. exports.

U.S. Trade Representative. Robert Lighthizer said their retaliation violates the rules of the Geneva-based WTO, which mediates trade disputes.

“Instead of working with us to address a common problem, some of our trading partners have elected to respond with retaliatory tariffs designed to punish American workers, farmers and companies,” Lighthizer said.

Earlier Monday, China announced it filed a World Trade Organization challenge to Trump’s latest tariff threat, stepping up its diplomatic efforts to counter U.S. pressure in a spiraling technology dispute.

The Trump administration has previously criticized the WTO as unable to deal with the problems posed by China, suggesting a challenge there might have little impact in Washington.