20 years and counting

New Zealand has had enough. As I was working on some details relating to the WTO panel appointed to hear Brazil and Canada's complaint against U.S. farm subsidies, I noted this item on the WTO Web site:

New Zealand requested a panel for the first time (WT/DS367/5) to review measures affecting market access of its apples into Australia. Australia did not agree to the panel. New Zealand said it had sought access for its apples into the Australian market since 1986. New Zealand considered that the measures prohibiting its apples into the Australian market were not scientifically justified and were inconsistent with the SPS Agreement. New Zealand regretted that the consultations held in October 2007 did not resolve the matter. Australia was disappointed that New Zealand had requested a panel and added that the bilateral channels were the most effective way to deal with such a matter. Australia said it remained open to further consultations and stated that the measures identified by New Zealand were science based and in full compliance with its WTO obligations.

TK: Australia's foot dragging on the importation of New Zealand apples is legendary, but of course the U.S. is no spring chicken when it comes to looking at access for Chinese apples, either.

Reaction from Down Under:

NZ continues apple battle with Australia

And from the land of kiwi:

Aussies block WTO probe into New Zealand apple ban