Argentina has threatened to report the US to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over the North American country’s longstanding bans on fresh lemons and beef, according to a report by Reuters.
The South American nation claims its products are of high quality and accepted by many markets around the world, Reuters explained.
The US, however, has defended its bans, stating that its actions are ‘science-based’ and in-line with WTO requirements, the report said.
The spat reignited on Tuesday (21 August) when the US and Japan claimed that Argentina’s import policies, which require prior approval of almost all foreign purchases, violate WTO rules.
In response, Argentina’s Foreign Ministry said it would lodge a complaint with the WTO over regulations in the US that deny access for fresh lemon and beef imports from Argentina, according to Reuters.
Argentina’s lemons have been locked out of the US market since 2001 due to US concerns over two plant diseases, citrus variegated chlorosis and citrus greening, which the nation claims could damage domestic lemon production.
In 2011, US imports of farm products from Argentina totalled US$1.64bn, while US agricultural exports to Argentina amassed US$154m, according to data from the office of the US Trade Representative.
