15/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - The Union will suspend its tariff concessions on steel and textile imports from the United States, if it decides to take retaliatory steps against the American restrictions on the import of steel. This provision, that could be implemented if no satisfactory solution is found on the commercial compensations it expects of Washington, will be notified to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) before 20 May. "That does not necessarily mean that we shall (impose restrictions) but our rights must prevail" under the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Safeguards, sources in Brussels pointed out on Friday. Steel and textile will be included in the list of American deliveries that could be penalised, the value of which could amount to $2 billion a year, including some $600 million in steel imports.