"The temporary steel safeguard measures the President imposed over a year and a half ago were intended to provide the domestic industry with the breathing space needed to restructure and consolidate, thereby becoming stronger and more competitive. WTO rules specifically allow for the imposition of safeguards for just this purpose, and we believe that the steel safeguard measures are consistent with those rules. An integral part of our commitment to free trade is our commitment to enforcing our trade laws.

"While we are pleased to see the Appellate Body upheld the Panel's rejection of some of the arguments raised by the complainants, we disagree with the overall Appellate Body findings. We will be reviewing the WTO report carefully."