GENEVA, May 27: China on Monday became the latest country to ask the World Trade Organization (WTO) to rule on whether US steel tariffs conform to international trade rules, the WTO said.

Following similar moves by the European Union, South Korea and Japan, Beijing has lodged a request with the Geneva-based WTO to set up an expert panel to examine the up-to-30-per cent US tariffs on some imported steel.

A WTO spokesman said China had asked for its request to be considered by the WTO’s dispute settlement body on June 7.

Pressure is mounting on the United States. Japan and South Korea said last week they would join the European Union in calling for a WTO panel to rule on the three-year tariff program.

Although Washington blocked an EU request for the establishment of a panel on Wednesday, the EU announced it would present the request again on June 3 when the US will have no right to refuse it.

China’s request cannot be considered on June 3 because the deadline has already passed for adding new items to the agenda, the WTO said.

If the countries agree, their complaints could be considered together.

Brazil, New Zealand, Norway and Switzerland have also begun consultations with the US.—AFP