Responding to Trump’s tariffs between safeguards, national security and economic coercion
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Abstract: Trump is weaponizing tariffs under varying motivations. Tariffs on steel and aluminium aim at strengthening its domestic industry. For some States individually targeted, Trump highlights United States trade deficits, so a “rebalance” would be needed. For others, however, there are political motivations. Brazil stands out with 50% tariffs and an explicit interference with its internal affairs. In this scenario, the legal ways for States responding to these tariffs also vary. This article seeks to explore how States can respond to Trump’s tariffs, in light of the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) system and public international law. Three venues are examined. First, by suspending concessions or other obligations on the basis of Article 8 of the WTO Agreement on Safeguards. Second, by challenging the tariffs before the WTO Dispute Settlement Body (“DSB”). Third, by adopting unilateral countermeasures outside the WTO system, notably in the case of economic coercion.
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