A decision by the World Trade Organisation in Geneva not to rule as illegal a Canadian dairy subsidy scheme is likely to be challenged by New Zealand.

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It is estimated that the Canadian scheme, devised to replace one ruled illegal by the WTO in 1999, costs New Zealand NZ$80m (US$33.1m) every year. This is the equivalent of more than NZ$5500 a year for every dairy farmer in the country.


New Zealand’s trade negotiations minister, Jim Sutton, announced yesterday [Tuesday] that the decision by the WTO’s appellate body to refuse to make a ruling on New Zealand’s complaint over the scheme had opened the way for New Zealand to appeal, with co-complainant, the United States.


Sutton added: “While we need to study the ruling closely, our preliminary view is that we will continue the legal challenge.”


“This is not a victory for Canada – far from it.”

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To read about the impact of the WTO’s ruling in Canada yesterday, click here.
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