A world Trade Organisation dispute settlement panel looks set to find in favour of a US complaint

Date: 08/05/1997

that the EU's ban on imports of beef raised using hormones is against world trade rules. The panel's interim report was due to be sent to the parties involved today (7 May), allowing the EU a month to respond to its findings. Geneva officials believe that even if the panel goes against it, the EU will choose to pay compensation rather than go against public opinion and allow hormone-treated beef onto its markets. Meanwhile, a report published by the Commission this week suggests EU beef stocks will rise to 1.5 million tonnes by 2005. After the drop in consumption caused by the BSE crisis, it will gradually recover but will still be affected by a long-term decline.