21.   Japan and the European Union have already announced they would take retaliatory measures against the United States over the steel tariffs.

22.   Meanwhile, Trade Minister Sergio Amaral said Brazil may turn to the World Trade Organization for a ruling on the steel tariffs.

23.   The EU has offered to withhold retaliation if the administration provides compensation for the steel tariffs by lowering border taxes on other European products by an equivalent amount.

24.   The EU said it was adopting the measures in response to controversial new U.S. steel tariffs.

25.   The request to the WTO follows similar moves by the European Union and Japan over the steel tariffs.

26.   The opposition and government clashed over the four financial decrees, which sailed through the House last night along with a decree to amend steel tariffs.

27.   The rift comes as China and the E.U. joined Japan, South Korea and Switzerland in initiating action in the World Trade Organization against controversial U.S. steel tariffs.

28.   The U.S. steel tariffs have provoked similar protests from Japan, South Korea and the European Union.

29.   U.S. officials contend that the steel tariffs are part of a long-term strategy of improving efficiency and cutting excess capacity.

30.   Trade Minister Sergio Amaral said Brazil may turn to the World Trade Organization for a ruling on the steel tariffs.