[1] On September 3, 2012, Argentina requested the assistance of the World Trade Organization in hosting consultations to discuss the United States procedures.
The majority of businesses that may be affected by the proposed rule are small entities, including lemon producers, packers, wholesalers, and related establishments.
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) welcomes public comment to better understand the potential impact on U.S. small entities.
The information collection and recordkeeping requirements outlined in the proposed rule have been submitted for approval to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The U.S., along with Japan, filed their complaints over the import licensing system earlier in August (2012) and the European Union lodged a nearly identical case in May.
[3] In March, 2012, 14 members of the WTO Council for Trade in Goods, including the U.S., EU and Mexico, said the regulations were creating long delays and resulting in huge costs for many of the companies doing business with Argentina.
[3] U.S. Trade Representative spokeswomen, Nkenge Harmon said, "We are concerned with a disturbing trend in which countries engaged in actions that are inconsistent with their WTO obligations retaliate with counter-complaints rather than fix the underlying problem raised in complaint”.
Some lawmakers, including Rep. Julia Brownley and Sen. John McCain, also voiced opposition, citing fears of the spread of invasive pests and diseases that could harm domestic crops.
Despite the opposition, the USDA proceeded with its decision to lift the ban, taking into account the negotiations and technical assessments conducted over several years.