Banana imports: EU regrets Latin American banana exporting countries request for WTO arbitration on the EU’s proposed new tariff for bananas

World Trade Organisation arbitration was requested on 30 March 2005 by Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and Guatemala, on the level of duty proposed by the European Union in the new tariff-only system for the EU's import regime for bananas. The EU would defend its proposal before the WTO.

The proposed new duty (230€/t) and the WTO methodology on which it is based have been discussed in depth with the four Latin American banana exporting countries which have the right to negotiate with the EU the modification of its banana import regime under GATT Article XXVIII rules and with other WTO members exporting to the EU on a MFN basis.

• Primary Source

EU: EEAS: Latin America and the Carribean https://eeas.europa.eu/diplomatic-network/latin-america-and-caribbean_en

ESO: Background information: Ecuador to EU: don't slip on the top banana / Peeling the fruit accord http://www.europeansources.info/record/ecuador-to-eu-dont-slip-on-the-top-banana-peeling-the-fruit-accord/

ESO: Background information: WTO prepares banana verdict http://www.europeansources.info/record/wto-prepares-banana-verdict/

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