The WTO has ruled against the European Union's import tariffs for bananas

By: trademagazin Date: 2008. 02. 12. 00:00

Millions of USDs commercial sanctions could be come.

 

The WTO has consistently ruled against
how Brussels sets tariffs for bananas, forcing it to overhaul a
system that grants preferential conditions for producers from African
and Caribbean countries, mainly former British and French colonies.
While the EU repeatedly has tinkered with the import rules in recent
years, none of the changes has withstood challenges at the trade
body.

"The United States prevailed in
its challenge," the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said
in an e-mailed statement. "This is the 10th proceeding against
the (EU). We hope that the (EU) will finally ensure that it puts in
place a bananas import regime that is WTO consistent."

Trade officials said the latest ruling
closely follows the findings by a separate panel that found in
Ecuador's favor in December. Both decisions remain confidential and
are only expected to be released in the coming months.

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