Canada has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States regarding President Donald Trump's decision to impose a 25% tariff on cars and car parts from Canada, the World Trade Organization announced on Monday.
“The WTO Secretariat is closely monitoring and analysing the measures announced by the United States on April 2, 2025. Many members have reached out to us and we are actively engaging with them in response to their questions about the potential impact on their economies and the global trading system," - said Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO, on 3rd April.
"I'm deeply concerned about this decline and the potential for escalation into a tariff war with a cycle of retaliatory measures that lead to further declines in trade," - she added.
While the situation is rapidly evolving, WTO's initial estimates suggest that these measures, coupled with those introduced since the beginning of the year, could lead to an overall contraction of around 1% in global merchandise trade volumes this year, representing a downward revision of nearly four percentage points from previous projections.
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said that the WTO was established to serve precisely in moments like this — as a platform for dialogue, to prevent trade conflicts from escalating, and to support an open and predictable trading environment. She encouraged Members to utilize this forum to engage constructively and seek cooperative solutions.
Canada claims the measures are inconsistent with U.S. obligations under various provisions under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, added the WTO.
"The Government of Canada looks forward to receiving the Government of the United States' reply to this request and to determining a mutually convenient date and place for the consultations," - reads a document submitted to the WTO.
What is a request for consultations?
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.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported on Monday that six children in the Samos migrant camp in Greece are suffering from acute malnutrition, spotlighting worsening humanitarian conditions in the EU-funded facility.
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan officials visited the TAPI pipeline site in Herat, reaffirming commitment to the key regional energy project. The pipeline will deliver Turkmen gas to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan, with efforts now focused on accelerating construction.
PACE's Spring session opens in Strasbourg with Georgia’s delegation under scrutiny. A key decision on April 10 may determine whether Georgia retains full representation—or joins Azerbaijan with restricted rights in the Assembly.
Bangladesh’s interim head, Muhammad Yunus, has written to U.S. President Donald Trump requesting a three-month delay on a 37% tariff on imports, emphasizing efforts to boost imports from the U.S.
European Union trade ministers voiced strong support on Monday for launching negotiations with Washington to defuse escalating trade tensions, while also preparing targeted countermeasures against U.S. tariffs.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
President Trump’s new tariffs hit 185 countries, with Kazakhstan facing the highest rate at 27%. Kazakhstan now seeks talks with U.S. officials to ease the impact.
The U.S. has pressured Lebanon to act against Hezbollah, urging the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enforce a ceasefire. The LAF, caught between U.S. demands and Hezbollah’s influence, risks losing vital U.S. support if it fails to act.
Global stock markets experienced a dramatic sell-off on Monday as investors reacted to the latest surge in US tariffs, raising fears of a potential global economic slowdown. European and Asian shares plummeted sharply, while US futures signaled the risk of a bear market, and oil prices also slid.
Chinese battery giant CATL is in talks to acquire a controlling stake in Nio’s power unit, which operates over 3,000 battery swapping stations across China. This deal highlights Nio's efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive EV market and expand its charging infrastructure.
Ongoing uncertainty surrounding US President Donald Trump's tariff strategy has driven Bitcoin's value below the $75,000 mark on Monday.
Wikimedia Foundation has appealed an Indian court ruling that ordered the removal of allegedly defamatory content about ANI. This follows ANI's lawsuit over a Wikipedia description labelling it a "government propaganda tool", highlighting tensions in content regulation.
Global stock markets plummeted on Monday as tariff fears triggered panic among investors. With uncertainty over U.S. trade policies, futures markets priced in multiple interest rate cuts, heightening recession concerns. Major global indices saw sharp losses, while safe-haven assets surged.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported on Monday that six children in the Samos migrant camp in Greece are suffering from acute malnutrition, spotlighting worsening humanitarian conditions in the EU-funded facility.
Afghanistan and Turkmenistan officials visited the TAPI pipeline site in Herat, reaffirming commitment to the key regional energy project. The pipeline will deliver Turkmen gas to India via Afghanistan and Pakistan, with efforts now focused on accelerating construction.
PACE's Spring session opens in Strasbourg with Georgia’s delegation under scrutiny. A key decision on April 10 may determine whether Georgia retains full representation—or joins Azerbaijan with restricted rights in the Assembly.
Bangladesh’s interim head, Muhammad Yunus, has written to U.S. President Donald Trump requesting a three-month delay on a 37% tariff on imports, emphasizing efforts to boost imports from the U.S.
European Union trade ministers voiced strong support on Monday for launching negotiations with Washington to defuse escalating trade tensions, while also preparing targeted countermeasures against U.S. tariffs.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment