Topic “EU” — Exporter Magazine

A dispute between China and the US, the EU and Japan over rare earth exports has simmered for some time, and the feud has escalated with the recent involvement of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), according to Xinhua News. An initial ruling by China’s Ministry of Commerce this week found that European Union (EU) members have subsidised potato starch exports to China, hurting the interests of China’s domestic industries, according to a Xinhua news report. The report said the decision was made after the European Confederation of Footwear Industries, Europe’s largest shoemakers association, withdrew its petition for an extension of tariffs.

The EU began to levy anti-dumping duties ranging from 9.7% to 16.5% on Chinese shoes with leather uppers in 2006 and extended the tariff by a further 15 months in 2009.

Low levels of R&D, high input costs and uneven relations with retailers are amongst the reasons emerging economies are outpacing growth of the EU food and drink sector, according to AP-FoodTechnology.com. The head of Beef + Lamb New Zealand Mike Petersen says his annual visit to Europe to shore up the country’s main export meat market is even more important this year, with an expected shortfall in lamb available for export. Australia will be granted easier access to the EU markets for its wine industry, but will not be allowed to use names associated with European wines, according to New Europe’ online report. Dairy processors in the EU are turning to cheese in an effort to put the market turbulence of a year ago behind them, according to DairyReporter.com. A recovery in global demand, a weaker Euro, and better margins are expected to conspire to prompt an increase in cheese production this year.