OTTAWA, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Canada has taken official steps by requesting consultations with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to dispute U.S. import duties on steel and aluminum products from Canada, according to a statement issued by the trade organization on Thursday.

The request was circulated to WTO members on Thursday, said the statement.

Canada argued that U.S. measures, which ceased its exemption and increased duties, contravene U.S. obligations under GATT 1994.

Mary Ng, minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development, said Wednesday that Canada was seeking formal consultations with the U.S. regarding tariffs on steel and aluminum.

"Canada is deeply disappointed that the U.S. has chosen to reimpose these unjustified tariffs that hurt workers and businesses on both sides of the border," Ng said in the statement. "These unilateral tariffs violate the United States' obligations under both the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) and the WTO Agreement."

François-Philippe Champagne, minister of innovation, science and industry, made a statement on Thursday that Canadian steel and aluminum form the basis of North America's critical infrastructure and manufacturing base, while supporting vital U.S. industries, including defense, shipbuilding and automotive.

The industry minister said he directed Industry Canada to prioritize funding of projects that use predominantly Canadian steel and aluminum.

Canada announced Wednesday reciprocal tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum imports worth 29.8 billion Canadian dollars (20.7 billion U.S. dollars). This trade move came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports coming into effect on the same day. Enditem

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