CALGARY — A World Trade Organization decision on the U.S. move to require country-of-origin labeling on beef and pork is expected next summer, following the first dispute panel hearings this week.
Canadian Cattlemen's Association president Travis Toews said the Canadian government presented compelling arguments that the labelling requirement violates the WTO agreement.
"We correctly anticipated the arguments the U.S. would use to defend (country-of-origin labeling), and while there were no surprises, it is clear that the U.S. intends to defend this trade barrier vigorously," Toews said in a statement, after attending the hearing in Geneva, Switzerland earlier this week.
While the U.S. said the intent of the labelling is to inform customers and not restrict trade, and that it hasn't had a negative impact on Canadian exports, Canada argued the rule is "causing considerable economic harm for Canadian livestock, and submitted extensive evidence," the cattlemen's association said.
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