India criticises safeguard action on steel by EU, UK at WTO

India has criticised the European Union and UK at the World Trade Organisation for continuing with the safeguard measures on its steel exports.

At the meeting of the Committee on Safeguards at the WTO, India was joined in the protest by Switzerland, Brazil, China, Korea and Russia against the safeguards that were imposed when the US took similar measures against imports of steel and aluminium during the Trump administration.

The action by the EU was challenged at the WTO after which the 27-member bloc made some changes in its decision which it now says is compliant with the rules of the trade regulating body.

The review of the duties by the UK is currently on.

The Trump administration had imposed additional duties on steel and aluminium in 2018. These duties on Indian products were removed in July this year after a bilateral deal between India and US.

At the meeting of the committee India also came under criticism from Korea and Singapore for safeguard action on Isopropyl Alcohol, which is used in making cleaners, disinfectants, hand sanitisers and even in pharma. This measures of additional duties on these products will expire in July next year

The Committee on Safeguard oversees the implementation of the Agreement on Safeguards and provides a forum for members to raise and address related questions and concerns. Next meeting of the committee is scheduled for April 20, 2024.