U.S. cites Japan’s failure to comply with WTO apple decision

U.S. cites Japan’s failure to comply with WTO apple decision    The Bush administration has asked the World Trade Organization to review whether Japan’s recently revised measures for importing U.S. apples are now compliant with the WTO’s Agreement on the Application of Sanitary Phytosanitary Measures.
   The administration is also seeking authorization from the WTO to impose trade sanctions against Japan totaling $143.4 million.
   “The United States does not believe that Japan has brought its measure into compliance with WTO agreements,” said U.S. trade representative Robert Zoellick in a statement. “Japan continues to require various restrictions, including orchard inspection and buffer zones.
   “We won’t be satisfied until there is a level playing field,” he said.
   On Dec. 10, 2003, the WTO Dispute Settlement Body adopted the panel and Appellate Body reports in the fire blight case that found that Japan’s restrictions on imported American apples are scientifically unfounded and inconsistent with its WTO obligations.
   In January, the United States and Japan met to agree on the reasonable period of time to implement the WTO Dispute Settlement Body’s decision. The countries agreed that the implementation should be completed by June 30.