December 22, 2016

US Wins WTO Trade Dispute Case against Indonesia

The United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) office announced today, that the World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel found in favor of the United States’ challenge to Indonesia’s wide-ranging restrictions and prohibitions on horticultural products, animals, and animal products. 

The United States filed this dispute to address trade barriers in Indonesia that restrict the importation of American fruits and vegetables, animal products, and other agricultural products.

The WTO Panel agreed with the United States on 18 out of 18 claims that Indonesia is applying import restrictions and prohibitions that are inconsistent with WTO rules. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and an increasingly important export market for many U.S. agricultural products. In 2015, U.S. exports of affected horticultural products to Indonesia exceeded $87 million.

Assuming it stands, the ruling should open up additional market opportunities for U.S. exporters.

Under WTO rules, either party may request adoption of the WTO panel report within 60 days of its release. If no one files an appeal the report is adopted. If the report is appealed, WTO rules provide that the WTO Appellate Body must issue its report within 90 days of the filing of the appeal.

Read the complete USTR release

For more information, contact Ken Gilliland at (949) 885-2267.