The United States has accused Venezuela of blocking imports of US agriculture goods, including corn, dairy products and meats, unfairly.

The US Trade Representative has asked the World Trade Organisation to intervene in the dispute to put an end to the allegedly unfair import blocks. The US says Venezuela’s actions have jeopardised around US$200m worth of US agriculture goods.

Venezuela’s Agriculture Minister Efren Andrades has denied the US charges and said his country would defend its position.

The US could seek the creation of a WTO panel to settle the dispute if the consultations between the two governments fail, reported Reuters.