China has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute consultations with Canada regarding Canadian measures imposing a surtax in the form of tariff rate quotas on the importation of certain steel goods originating from Canada's non-free trade agreement partners, including China, as well as a surtax on certain steel and aluminium goods that contain steel or aluminium originating from China.
China claims Canada's measures are inconsistent with Canada's obligations under the provisions of the GATT 1994, the Agreement on Rules of Origin, and the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures.
The request for consultations formally initiates a dispute in the WTO. Consultations give the parties an opportunity to discuss the matter and to find a satisfactory solution without proceeding further with litigation.
After 60 days, if consultations have failed to resolve the dispute, the complainant may request adjudication by a panel.