Despite repeated attempts at dialogue, the European Union "has not received a satisfactory response" from Colombia to an anti-dumping duty imposed by Bogotá on imports of European frozen potato fries since November 2018.
"I have given instructions (...) to launch a dispute settlement procedure at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) against Colombia as soon as possible", concluded Cecilia Malmström, European Commissioner for Trade, at a press conference on Monday 14 October (see EUROPE 12134/3).
The Commission considers that these duties, which can amount to up to 8%, are "completely unjustified and harmful to European companies", said Ms Malmström.
Last May, the EU had already warned Colombia of possible actions, including recourse to WTO dispute settlement (see EUROPE 12246/21).
The exporting industries concerned, mainly small and medium-sized enterprises, are located in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Their potato suppliers could also be indirectly affected. (Original version in French by Hermine Donceel)