MEPs vote to end EU-US trade war
MEPs have voted overwhelmingly in favour of raising the EU's quality beef import quota to 48,200 tons after the US Department of Agriculture published a draft Bill to bring US bovine import conditions into line with the World Organisations for Animal Health's (OIE) own standards on BSE, thus signalling the conclusion of a long-running trade war. The final count stood at 650 votes in favour, 11 abstentions and 11 voting against, and the approval took place at the first reading. The new import quota will come into force in August 2012.
Welcoming the news, Godelieve Quisthoudt-Rowohl (A German MEP responsible for drafting the report which was voted upon) said “This long-lasting trading dispute will end today. This is a win-win resolution for the EU. Parliament has taken a step that will enable the EU agricultural industry to plan ahead again and that will strengthen transatlantic trade links.”
The vote has also been warmly welcomed by the UK farming sector, which stands to gain from the improved trading conditions and renewed access to the large US market. Commenting, National Farmer's Union Chief Livestock Advisor Peter Garbutt said “This move would open up further export opportunities for UK producers and I believe we can be positive and optimistic about our market prospects in the future.”
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