EU to appeal WTO banana ruling

The E.U. will appeal an April decision by the WTO based on a complaint brought up by Ecuador. The panel found that European tariffs on banana imports against Latin American countries including Mexico and Costa Rica were excessive and discriminatory.

According to a statement issued today by the E.U.:

“The proposal on bananas made in Geneva was made in the context of the Doha Round'' of global trade talks, the (European Commission) said. ``The failure to reach agreement in Geneva on the Doha Round also meant no agreement was reached on bananas.''

The EU is basing its challenge to the WTO judgments on two points. The panel ``completely disregarded'' evidence showing that Latin American banana suppliers' access to the bloc rose more than 10 percent, according to the commission, which said it also had ``significant systemic concerns'' about judges' interpretation and application of relevant WTO provisions.

Though the WTO decision came in favor of Latin American banana producers, it may’ve hurt those suppliers in the Caribbean who were receiving referential treatment from the E.U.’s policy.

As we mentioned yesterday, Brazil has appealed to the WTO for sanctions to be placed against the U.S. based on a 2007 ruling.

Image- Sky News

Sources- Forbes, Bloomberg, The Latin Americanist, Reuters