On April 27, the Safeguards Committee from the OMC The meeting analyzed 38 trade protection measures to ensure global market stability. It addressed tensions over steel tariffs and legal disagreements regarding national security exceptions applied by [unspecified countries/regions]. Estados Unidos.
Review of national measures and legislation
During the ordinary session, the Comité de Salvaguardias from the Organización Mundial del Comercio (OMC) examined a total of 38 safeguard measures, of which 12 directly affect products in the sector of steel and metalThese actions were reported by the Members after the last meeting held in October 2025.
In the legislative sphere, the Committee reviewed the new national regulations on safeguards BotsuanaFurthermore, the analysis of the legal frameworks regarding trade defense was continued. Liberia and Islas Salomón, under the supervision of the President outgoing, the Sra. Milagros Miranda Rojas (Perú).
Focus on the steel and ferroalloys sector
The analysis of safeguard actions revealed that four countries —Indonesia, Madagascar, Filipinas y Turquía— account for almost 50% of the measures reviewed. However, the most critical interventions of the Members They focused on the research and tariff adjustments of the major economic powers.
Special attention was given to the measures of Unión Europea about ferroalloy elements and his research on the grain-oriented magnetic steel. In turn, the Reino Unido It was the subject of consultations due to the adjustment of its tariff quotas (TRQs) applied to various steel products.
| Member / Entity | Type of Measurement or Research | Number of Interventions / Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Indonesia | Various safeguarding actions | 7 measures notified |
| Egipto | Research on iron and steel | 4 members expressed concern |
| Unión Europea | Magnetic steel and ferroalloys | 5 members expressed concern |
| Reino Unido | Adjustment of tariff quotas (TRQs) | 6 members carried out interventions |
| Turquía / Filipinas / Madagascar | Safeguard actions | 4 measures each |
Conflict over national security exceptions
One of the biggest points of contention was the response of Estados Unidos In response to requests for consultations and proposals to suspend concessions, the US delegation maintained that the tariffs imposed by its President do not constitute safeguard measures under the Safeguards Agreement.
According to the position of WashingtonThese actions remain under the protection of the essential security exception collected in the Article XXI of the GATT of 1994. Therefore, Estados Unidos believes there is no legal basis for others Members demand compensation or suspend trade obligations based on safeguard regulations.
This position was flatly rejected by India, who stated that the characteristics of the US tariffs clearly place them within the scope of Safeguards Agreement. Brasil y China They joined the criticism, warning about the negative implications for the multilateral trading system and global supply chains.
Digitization of commercial notifications
In a step towards administrative modernization, the President's office reported on the evolution of online portal for the submission of safeguards notifications. Key milestones include:
- A total of 22 Members They have already registered to access the platform.
- The number of registered users has duplicate since the previous meeting.
- More than 20 notifications through this digital tool since its implementation.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the Safeguards Committee
Which countries are currently leading the way in implementing safeguard measures?
Indonesia It is the most active Member with 7 actions, followed by Madagascar, Filipinas y Turquía, who reported 4 measures each during this period.
What is the legal discrepancy between the United States and countries like India or China?
Estados Unidos defends its tariffs under the security exception of Article XXI of the GATTWhile India, Brasil y China They argue that these are safeguard measures subject to compensation.
How has digitalization progressed in the management of WTO safeguards?
An online portal has been established that already has 22 registered Members and has processed more than 20 official notifications, doubling its usage in the last six months.
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