India, along with nations such as Switzerland, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, and Russia, have criticized the EU for maintaining its safeguard measure on certain steel products post-review.
Reasons for Criticism:
- Many argue that the EU’s safeguard duty, imposed in response to US tariffs on steel imports in 2018, does not align with WTO rules.
- Critics assert that the safeguard measure was not initiated due to unforeseen circumstances and should have been terminated after review.
UK’s Safeguard Measures:
The United Kingdom has also faced criticism for retaining its safeguard measures on steel imports.
Criticism on UK’s Actions:
- Critics note that the UK’s ongoing review of the safeguard should lead to its revocation as it does not comply with WTO rules.
EU’s Defense:
The EU clarified that its recent review wasn’t an extension but a determination on whether to end the safeguard measure early, as it is set to expire in June 2024. Furthermore, the EU claims to have implemented dispute rulings to ensure compliance with WTO rules.
UK’s Response:
The UK refrained from commenting further on the matter, citing the ongoing review of its safeguard measures.
Retaliatory Measures by India:
In 2021, India proposed imposing additional import duties on select EU products worth €292 million in retaliation against the safeguard measures. Additionally, India proposed a 15% customs duty on 22 UK products, including whisky, cheese, and diesel engine parts, in response to UK restrictions on steel products post-Brexit.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Which nations criticized the EU for maintaining its safeguard measure on certain steel products?
- A) India, Switzerland, Brazil
- B) India, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Russia
- C) India, China, Japan
- D) Brazil, China, Russia
- Why did critics argue against the EU’s safeguard measure?
- A) It was initiated due to unforeseen circumstances.
- B) It aligns with WTO rules.
- C) It was imposed before the US tariffs on steel imports.
- D) It did not comply with WTO rules.
- What was the UK criticized for regarding its safeguard measures?
- A) Maintaining them without review.
- B) Conducting a review in compliance with WTO rules.
- C) Failing to impose tariffs on EU products.
- D) Imposing restrictions on steel products post-Brexit.
- How did the EU defend its recent review of safeguard measures?
- A) It claimed the review was an extension of the safeguard.
- B) It argued the review was to determine whether to end the safeguard measure early.
- C) It stated the review was conducted in response to US tariffs.
- D) It asserted the review was to impose additional duties.
- What retaliatory measures did India propose against the EU and the UK?
- A) Additional customs duties on select EU products.
- B) Additional customs duties on select UK products.
- C) Both A and B.
- D) Neither A nor B.