Posted on 06/23/2005 1:59:29 PM PDT by Righty_McRight
GENEVA - The World Trade Organization ruled Thursday that Japan's import barriers to U.S. apples are illegal, bringing closer the possibility of U.S. trade sanctions.
Japan claims importing U.S. apples would expose Japan to fire blight, a bacterial disease.
But the WTO panel found that Japan's import procedures for U.S. apples lacked "scientific evidence" and were disproportionately trade-restrictive.
The WTO found Japan's apple restrictions in violation of international trade agreements in December 2003, but gave the country time to adjust its legislation. Japan changed its procedures, but the United States claimed it was still acting illegally went back to the WTO.
Japan can appeal the latest ruling.
"We are of course disappointed with the panel's report," said Makiko Oshima, a Japanese trade official. "We are still thinking about how now to proceed."
U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman (news, bio, voting record) welcomed the ruling as a "solid victory for the U.S. apple industry."
"We look forward to working with our trading partners around the world to ensure that our producers have an opportunity to trade without artificial barriers," Portman said in a statement.
Washington is demanding the right to impose trade sanctions on Japan worth $143.4 million annually — the amount it claims it is losing because of illegal import rules — until Japan changes its rules.
Fire blight is a bacterial infection that affects apples, pears and roses, but not humans. Affected trees produce reduced crops and may die. The disease is carried among trees by rain, wind and insects and is widespread in the United States.
How come this isn't an evil 'outsourcing' story? Call Lou Dobbs!!! Somebody is outsourcing our apples!!!!
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