The Trump administration is filing a challenge at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against China, the European Union (EU), Canada, Mexico and Turkey for retaliating against American tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.

The United States has imposed tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum on the grounds that the imported metals pose a threat to American national security.

China, the EU, Canada, Mexico and Turkey have counterpunched with taxes on $24 billion worth of U.S. exports. U.S. Trade Rep. Robert Lighthizer says their retaliation violates the rules of the Geneva-based WTO, which mediates trade disputes.

"Instead of working with us to address a common problem, some of our trading partners have elected to respond with retaliatory tariffs designed to punish American workers, farmers and companies," Lighthizer says.