U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE ENDS BANANA DISPUTE

U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE ENDS BANANA DISPUTE    The United States Trade Representative terminated its 100-percent ad valorem duties on a list of products from certain European Union states.
   The duties, based on the value of the shipment, were levied in response to EC's failure to enforce the rulings of the World Trade Organization Dispute Settlement Body concerning the EC's practices for importation, sales and distribution of bananas.
   The Trade Representative said the EC is taking steps to provide fair market access for U.S. banana exporters. The Trade Representative will continue to monitor the EC's practices, specifically the modifications of certain tariff rate quotas by Jan. 1.
   Should EC fail to comply, the Trade Representative may again take action.