Ceasefire ahead in banana war?

THE threat of further clashes between the European Union (EU) and the USA over bananas receded yesterday (Tuesday) as sides apparently edged towards a compromise, according to a report in the Financial Times.

US and EU officials interviewed in the paper suggested there were talks taking place which could lead to a deal.

The conflict was brought to a head last week when the USA began implementing a threat to impose sanctions on more than $500 million (£309m) of European exports.

It said the EU had not complied with a 1997 World Trade Organisation ruling against its banana regime, which favours African, Caribbean and Pacific imports.

• WTO urges banana peace, FWi, yesterday (09 March, 1999)
• WTO to hear EU banana protest, FWi, 08 March, 1999
• Trade war escalates over bananas, FWi, 05 March, 1999
• USA starts banana-war sanctions, FWi, 04 March, 1999< /a>
• Bananas – WTO steps in, FWi, 03 March, 1999
• WTO to examine banana battle, FWi, 01 March, 1999
• USA and EU go bananas again, FWi, 22 February, 1999
• EU seeks ruling on US sanctions law, FWi, 08 February, 1999
• Financial Times 10/03/99 page 1