Economics
Trump Trade Fight Heads to Global Court as WTO Nears the Rubicon
- WTO poised to assess disputes on U.S. steel, aluminum tariffs
- The conflicts are among the most important U.S. fights at WTO
Photographer: Tomohiro Ohsumi/Bloomberg
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President Donald Trump’s plan to reshape America’s global relationships will reach a critical juncture this week when the World Trade Organization decides whether to trigger a landmark dispute over what trade measures nations can use to protect national security interests.
The Geneva-based WTO has long avoided this politically fraught confrontation, which could irreparably harm the organization tasked with deciding international trade disputes. But barring any unforeseen developments, the WTO on Nov. 21 will grant requests from members including China and the European Union to determine if U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs imposed in March -- and based on national security concerns -- are legal.