WTO case possible on Indian poultry barriers: USTR Kirk

Friday, 2 March 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

WASHINGTON (Reuters): The United States believes India unfairly restricts imports of US poultry based on false food safety claims and could take action at the World Trade Organization to try to open the market, the top US official said on Wednesday.

“Our American poultry is safe. There is no reason for them to deny us access,” US Trade Representative Ron Kirk said in response to a question at a congressional trade hearing.

“We are extraordinarily frustrated with India’s continued non-application of internationally recognised scientific standards,” Kirk said.

The Obama administration has filed just six cases at the World Trade Organization since taking office in January 2009, including five against China.

Kirk noted it was not US policy to discuss publically “when we will take legal action at the WTO”.

But he told lawmakers a WTO case against India’s poultry barriers “is certainly an option that is on the table”.