Switzerland launches WTO action

GENEVA: Switzerland has launched a complaint at the World Trade Organization against U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium, it said on Tuesday, the eighth WTO member to start such a challenge.

"From Switzerland´s point of view, the additional duties, which according to the U.S. have been introduced to protect national security, are unjustified," the statement from the Swiss economy ministry said in a statement.

Under WTO rules, the United States has 60 days to settle the issue. After that time, Switzerland could escalate the dispute by asking the WTO to set up a panel of judges to adjudicate.