Japan formally filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization on Thursday, calling a U.S. ruling made in June against Japanese hot-rolled steel imports unfair.
Speaking to reporters, Takashi Fukaya, minister of international trade and industry, confirmed that Japan has brought the case to the Geneva-based trade watchdog and seeks bilateral talks with Washington on the issue.
Under WTO rules, the Japanese and U.S. governments are to enter bilateral talks within 30 days to attempt to settle the dispute, provided that Washington agrees.