GENEVA, July 27: The World Trade Organisation agreed Friday to a South African request to give a ruling on its battle with the European Union over citrus exports, a trade official said.
South Africa is the world's second-biggest exporter of oranges, lemons and grapefruits, behind Spain. It made earlier requests for WTO involvement that were opposed by the EU. Only one request for trade dispute mediation can be blocked.
The EU imposed restrictions two years ago on oranges, lemons, grapefruits and other citrus, saying it was to stop the spread of the False Codling Moth and a fungus known as Citrus Black Spot.
"South Africa reiterated that it has many serious concerns regarding the WTO consistency of these EU measures, which have had a severe impact on South Africa citrus food exports," the Geneva-based trade official said.
South Africa also said the restrictions "appear to be adopted in response to political pressure from the EU's citrus fruit industry", according to the official.
EU health regulations require oranges to be kept at a maximum of two degrees Celsius (35.6 Fahrenheit) for 25 days.
South African producers say this is not necessary because of other measures taken to prevent the insects.
South Africa requested WTO intervention in 2022 on the False Codling Moth, which is particularly attracted to oranges and grapefruits. A second request on the fungus was made in April this year. —AFP
