US and Europe put trade war on hold for a few days

16 December 1998

US and Europe put trade war on hold for a few days

THE US put its threatened trade war with Europe over bananas on hold for a few days by delaying the publication of a list of products which would be subject to 100% tariffs.

US officials admitted the delay was to avoid any embarrassment when President Bill Clinton met European Commission officials later this week.

But Sir Leon Brittan, European Union trade commissioner, welcomed the delay.

The US is threatening to impose the tariffs unless Europe stops its preferential import access for bananas grown in former British and French colonies.