EU threatens sanctions for U.S. products over antidumping law
EU threatens sanctions for U.S. products over antidumping law
By Raf Casert
The Associated Press
April 1, 2005
BRUSSELS, Belgium · The European Union head office said Thursday it will seek to impose additional sanctions of up to 15 percent on U.S. products to punish Washington for failing to repeal an antidumping law ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization.
The European Commission said its action would be joined soon by seven other nations, including Japan, South Korea and Brazil, which had all requested that the WTO authorize retaliation.
The European Commission's proposal needs to be approved by EU member states.
Such a move would slap additional duties of up to 15 percent as of May 1 on such U.S. products as paper, textiles, machinery and farm produce. Targeted items ran from writing pads to sweetcorn, tablecloth and sports footwear.
The EU head office said it took its latest step "in light of the continuing failure of the United States to bring its legislation in conformity with its international obligations." The law, known as the Byrd Amendment, allows American companies to receive proceeds from antidumping duties levied on foreign rivals.
Richard Mills, spokesman for the U.S. trade representative, said the Bush administration was "disappointed" with the EU move.
"The United States is working to comply with the WTO decision regarding the Byrd Amendment," Mills said. "It's important to remember that the WTO decision in the dispute does not affect our underlying trade laws. The United States will continue to vigorously implement our trade laws to make sure Americans are treated fairly."
The 25-nation EU has long asked for Washington to repeal the 3-year-old legislation and the Bush administration has been working with Congress to bring it into line with its obligations.
According to the latest information, the level of retaliation would amount to slightly less than $28 million.
Copyright © 2005, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-ztrade01apr01,0,563579.story?coll=sfla-business-headlines
By Raf Casert
The Associated Press
April 1, 2005
BRUSSELS, Belgium · The European Union head office said Thursday it will seek to impose additional sanctions of up to 15 percent on U.S. products to punish Washington for failing to repeal an antidumping law ruled illegal by the World Trade Organization.
The European Commission said its action would be joined soon by seven other nations, including Japan, South Korea and Brazil, which had all requested that the WTO authorize retaliation.
The European Commission's proposal needs to be approved by EU member states.
Such a move would slap additional duties of up to 15 percent as of May 1 on such U.S. products as paper, textiles, machinery and farm produce. Targeted items ran from writing pads to sweetcorn, tablecloth and sports footwear.
The EU head office said it took its latest step "in light of the continuing failure of the United States to bring its legislation in conformity with its international obligations." The law, known as the Byrd Amendment, allows American companies to receive proceeds from antidumping duties levied on foreign rivals.
Richard Mills, spokesman for the U.S. trade representative, said the Bush administration was "disappointed" with the EU move.
"The United States is working to comply with the WTO decision regarding the Byrd Amendment," Mills said. "It's important to remember that the WTO decision in the dispute does not affect our underlying trade laws. The United States will continue to vigorously implement our trade laws to make sure Americans are treated fairly."
The 25-nation EU has long asked for Washington to repeal the 3-year-old legislation and the Bush administration has been working with Congress to bring it into line with its obligations.
According to the latest information, the level of retaliation would amount to slightly less than $28 million.
Copyright © 2005, South Florida Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/local/sfl-ztrade01apr01,0,563579.story?coll=sfla-business-headlines
posted by JimG at 12:40 PM
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