The World Trade Organisation today ruled against European Union plans to triple import duties on bananas, backing a complaint by Latin American producers.
Trade sources, who had access to the confidential decision, said WTO arbitrators ruled the planned €230 per tonne duty would hinder Latin American access to the European market.
The EU has ten days to present a fresh proposal for the tariff, which is currently €75, and end a row that could further complicate WTO negotiations on a global trade pact.