Japan notifies WTO of steps against steel tariffs

TOKYO, May 19 (Xinhua): Japan has notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of its consideration of retaliatory measures against the United States imposition of higher tariffs on steel imports, Japan's foreign ministry said in a press release on Friday.

The envisioned move, if taken, would raise tariffs of United States products by some 50 billion yen (455 million US dollars), equivalent to additional tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on Japan, according to the release.

Whether the "rebalancing" measures would be actually taken will depend on future moves of the United States and their impacts on Japanese enterprises, said the press release.

It did not specify the United States products targeted by Japan's envisioned measures.

US President Donald Trump signed proclamations in March to impose a 25-per cent tariff on imported steel and 10 per cent on aluminum, which took effect on March 23.