The European Union will start legal procedures at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against duties on Spanish olives imposed by the United States, EU trade chief Cecilia Malmstrom said on Monday
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 28th January, 2019) The European Union will start legal procedures at the World Trade Organization (WTO) against duties on Spanish olives imposed by the United States, EU trade chief Cecilia Malmstrom said on Monday."The duties imposed by the United States on ripe olives from Spain are unjustified, unwarranted and go against the rules of the World Trade Organisation. Tomorrow, we are taking this case to the @WTO dispute settlement system, requesting consultations with the US," Malmstrom said on her Twitter page.
Malmstrom added that the European Commission has already discussed this issue with the US counterparts for many times.
"From the Commission side, we have already raised this case with our US counterparts at many occasions. Together with Spanish authorities, we will continue to vigorously defend the interests of EU producers," Malmstrom said.
In 2017, the United States imported olives worth over $67 million. The US Commerce Department considered olives to be sold too cheaply and significantly increased tariffs and anti-dumping duties on them.
After the case is sent to WTO, the parties will have 60 days to settle the issue, otherwise WTO will adjudicate. However the WTO settlement system is experiencing a breakdown as the United States is currently blocking the appointment of judges for trade dispute hearings.
