Half a dozen countries and the European Union, which represents 28 countries, have requested adjudication at the World Trade Organization (WTO) concerning some of Trump's first tariffs.
By requesting adjudication, these countries are beginning the process of pursuing formal litigation against the Unites States and, more specifically, Trump's tariffs on steel and aluminum.
From Reuters:
China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico, Norway, Russia and Turkey have all requested that the WTO set up a panel of adjudicators to judge the legality of steel and aluminium tariffs which U.S. President Donald Trump imposed in March. [...]
Opponents of the 25 percent U.S. duty on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminium say they breach WTO rules. Washington says they are a national security matter, and therefore outside the WTO’s jurisdiction.
The wheels of WTO adjudication are slow, and particularly congested at the moment, with a record number of disputes working through the system.
In response to these measures, the Trump regime has requested adjudication against the complainants for imposing retaliatory tariffs in response to his tariffs, which I couldn't help but laugh at. Trump and his henchmen seemingly believe that the United States is the only country that's allowed to defend itself.
Now, if Trump were ever serious about withdrawing from the WTO, this could be how it starts.
Litigation against Trump's tariffs could take years but, when the case is finally decided, Trump will have to choose between adhering to international law and treaties or abandoning the WTO.
If we're fortunate, and if everyone votes, a future session of Congress or the next president will roll back Trump's tariffs and none of this will matter.