WTO creates resolution panels to address Argentina's trade claims

The World Trade Organization decided to implement two dispute resolution panels, one to probe accusations of unfair trade practices against Argentina by the US, the EU and Japan and another regarding Argentina’s claim that US-sanctioned measures affect their meat exports.

The US and Japan, along with the EU, accuse Argentina of applying restrictions that penalize their exports to the country. Those companies looking to export to Argentina are forced to import Argentine goods at the same time.

The most notorious case is the one led by Porsche, in Germany, which had to commit to import wine and olive oil from Argentina in order to export over a hundred vehicles to the country.

On Monday, Argentina pointed out that the WTO’s conflict resolution organization had adopted a series of measures last January 25 in order to settle these matters, although plaintiffs said they remained unconvinced of the effectiveness of such measures.

According to WTO rules, the panel has up to six months to review the case and make a decision.

The second panel was created to review Argentina’s accusations regarding the importing of Argentine beef to the US.

According to the Government, several measures enacted by the US eleven years ago led the market to shut down the importing of frozen or fresh Argentine beef.

Argentina also accuses the US or refusing to recognize Patagonia as a region free of the foot-and-mouth disease, like the AWHO does.