Brazil to launch trade dispute against the United States at WTO on steel export

Brazil's government will launch a trade dispute against the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its decision to raise duties on some Brazilian steel export products. The goal is to eliminate fees charged by the US government that accuses Brazilian producers of benefiting from subsidies. The Brazilian government has a different interpretation.

The decision was taken on Wednesday (Sep. 28), during a meeting of the supervisory board of the International Chamber of Commerce at the Palácio do Planalto, seat of government. According to Foreign Minister José Serra, before the dispute settlement at the WTO, Brazil needs to launch preliminary stage.

For about a month, a tax dispute has hindered exports of hot- and cold-rolled steel, which are used in automobile production. The companies Usiminas and Companhia Siderurgica Nacional have complained, and the request to launch a trade dispute shall be submitted by the Brazilian government this year.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta