A WTO appellate panel ruled in favor of Mexico in a dispute over U.S. rules on when cans of tuna can carry the “dolphin-safe” label, says Associated Press. The panel said the United States set different standards for the label depending on where the tuna were caught, with the result that Mexican tuna was put an a disadvantage. The case began in 2009 and the appellate ruling means the United States has not modified its rules sufficiently to meet world trade standards, said the AP. Mexico says its fishing industry complies with international guidelines to prevent the capture of dolphins.
The website Law360 said the WTO rejected the final U.S. appeal, “opening the door for hefty tariff retaliation from Mexico.”