WTO Consultations Regarding EC Provisional Safeguard Measures Against Imports of Certain Steel Products

Résumé

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is providing notice that on May 30, 2002, the United States requested consultations with the European Communities (EC) under the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization (WTO), regarding the imposition of provisional safeguard measures against imports of certain steel products. These measures appear to be inconsistent with the EC's obligations under the provisions of the GATT 1994 and of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards, and, in particular, Article XIX of the GATT 1994 and Articles 2, 3, 4, 6, and 12 of the Agreement on Safeguards. Pursuant to Article 4.3 of the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU), such consultations are to take place within a period of 30 days from the date of the request, or within a period otherwise mutually agreed between the United States and the EC. USTR invites written comments from the public concerning the issues raised in this dispute.