Friday, April 01, 2005
EU eyes sanctions in anti-dumping row with US
EUbusiness
the European Commission called for an extra duty of 15 percent to be imposed on products ranging from paper to farm and textile products, in response to Washington's failure to repeal the so-called Byrd Amendment.
'The Commission took this latest step in the dispute over the Byrd Amendment in light of the continuing failure of the United States to bring its legislation in conformity with its international obligations,' it said.
The proposed sanctions, if approved by the EU's 25 member states, would come into effect from May 1.
In Washington, US authorities lamented the EU decision, and vowed to continue efforts to persuade Congress to repeal the law.
'We're disappointed that this step is being taken,' US Trade Representative spokesman Richard Mills said, but added: 'The United States is working to comply with the WTO decision regarding the Byrd Amendment.'
the European Commission called for an extra duty of 15 percent to be imposed on products ranging from paper to farm and textile products, in response to Washington's failure to repeal the so-called Byrd Amendment.
'The Commission took this latest step in the dispute over the Byrd Amendment in light of the continuing failure of the United States to bring its legislation in conformity with its international obligations,' it said.
The proposed sanctions, if approved by the EU's 25 member states, would come into effect from May 1.
In Washington, US authorities lamented the EU decision, and vowed to continue efforts to persuade Congress to repeal the law.
'We're disappointed that this step is being taken,' US Trade Representative spokesman Richard Mills said, but added: 'The United States is working to comply with the WTO decision regarding the Byrd Amendment.'
