Caribbean blocks US banana sanctions

26 January 1999

Caribbean blocks US banana sanctions

US plans to impose a range of punitive sanctions against European Union (EU) exports over Europes banana regime were thwarted by St Lucia and Dominica.

The two Caribbean states blocked the agenda at a meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

This move came after another day of talks between the USA and EU officials and Renato Ruggiero, WTO director-general, failed to agree a deal.

Talks continue today.

The US list of sanctions includes pig meat imports.

• Compromise in banana battle?, FWi, yesterday (25 January, 1999)
• EU raises stakes in banana war, FWi, 22 January, 1999
• USA seeks sanctions in banana war, FWi, 15 January, 1999
• USA keeps up banana threats, FWi, 13 January, 1999
• The Times 26/01/99 page 28
  
• Financial Times 26/01/99 page 6, 19 (Analysis)
  
• The Guardian 26/01/99 page 22