U.S., EC ink interim wine agreement
The United States and European Community signed an interim agreement Wednesday to ensure that transatlantic trade in wine will not be disrupted before a broader wine agreement reached in mid-September takes effect.
Specifically, the interim agreement continues to recognize U.S. wine-making practices, while the United States will accept EC wine-making practices. Also, EC wine imported into the United States does not have to be accompanied by a certification attesting that the wine is made in accordance with U.S. wine-making practices.
'EC procedures to consider signing the Wine Agreement are currently under way and a final decision on it is expected by the end of the year,' said U.S. Trade Representative spokeswoman Neena Moorjani in a statement.