Aussie-Philippines trade row cools

27 June 2000



Aussie-Philippines trade row cools

AUSTRALIA has softened its stance on quarantine tests on fruit from the Philippines, reports the Financial Times.

Manila had cut Australian cattle imports by 20% in protest at what it sees as the use of quarantine tests as a non-tariff trade barrier.

But now Australia has said that the two-year anti-pest inspections for bananas and pineapples will run in parallel.

Previously it has insisted the tests take place consecutively.

The cattle import cut will be withdrawn when the tests begin in several months.

• Financial Times 27/06/2000 page 14