WTO says receives Russia’s claim for US duties consultations

BRUSSELS, Jul 2 (PRIME) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) has received a notification from Russia on the start of consultations on introduction by the U.S. of steel and aluminum duties, the organization said in a statement on Monday.

“Russia has asked for consultations in a dispute with the U.S. concerning the duties on certain imported steel and aluminum products in the WTO,” the WTO said.

A request for consultations opens a 60-day window for the sides to come to an agreement, after that the claimant can ask for a WTO arbiter panel convocation.

The U.S. slapped steel and aluminum import duties at the end of March; Russia said in a document sent to the WTO that it had plans to introduce U.S. $537.6 million duties on U.S. goods amounting to $3.16 billion.

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