NZ steel tariffs challenge

New Zealand will mount a legal challenge through the World Trade Organization against tariffs imposed on steel imports by the US, trade negotiations minister Jim Sutton said.

In March, the US government put three-year tariffs of up to 30% on steel imports to protect its domestic steel industry from foreign competition.

After several months of talks with US authorities and the WTO, New Zealand has not been convinced the US can justify its move under WTO rules, Mr Sutton said in a statement.