France would lose out in trade war

26 October 1999



France would lose out in trade war

FRANCE stands to lose more than Britain if the present hostilities over beef develop into a trade war, according to The Times.

Last year Britain exported nearly £16 billion-worth of goods across the Channel, according to the ministry of agriculture, fisheries and food.

But France sent more than £17bn of produce the other way, giv ing a trade deficit of more than £1.2bn in Frances favour.

France exports substantially more vegetables, fruit, dairy products and meat than Britain sells, and three times the quantity of drink.

Britain imported £5m-worth of beef from France last year while being unable to export any.

• French beef scare hits the headlines, FWi, yesterday (25 October 1999)
  

• EU scientists probe French beef ban, FWi, yesterday (25 October 1999)
  
• The Times 26/10/99 page 6