The World Trade Organization has sent an interim report to the three North American nations – Canada, Mexico and the United States – sparring over country-of-origin-labeling rules for cuts of poultry, beef and pork, says a spokesman for the U.S. trade representative’s office. USTR declined to comment on the contents of the report and said a formal decision was expected later this year. It could appear in late July, according to a key WTO official in March. Politico says the interim report gives the nations a final chance to argue their cases.
Canada and Mexico won a 2008 WTO challenge when country-of-origin labeling became mandatory for meat sold in the United States. USDA revamped the rules to make them more specific, requiring them to list where the animals providing the meat were born, raised and slaughtered. Canada and Mexico say the rules are a trade barrier in disguise and have hurt their sales of livestock into the U.S. market.
To read the WTO summary of the case, click here.