The World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance panel ruled against the United States for a second time reaffirming that its revised U.S. Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) measure for meat fails to comply with the WTO’s original ruling against it. While this ruling does not affect COOL for fresh fruits and vegetables, the consequence of the U.S. failing to comply, or being successful in a final appeal, could result in Canada and Mexico issuing retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., including tariffs on fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts. However, in the near term, pending the appeal outcome, no retaliatory action is expected on these items.
