Statement By Acting Secretary Chuck Conner Regarding Wto Panel Finding In Favor Of The U.S.

"Today’s finding by the World Trade Organization in favor of the United States in the Turkey rice dispute is great news for American rice producers. Turkey is a key market for U.S. rice and we felt strongly that Turkey’s system for granting import licenses violated the country’s international trade commitments. The attached version reflects the change These unfair trade barriers had a significant effect on U.S. rice exports to Turkey—causing them to drop 74-percent from 2005 to 2006, from almost $34 million to $9 million.


“It is gratifying to see industry and government efforts result in a positive outcome. We look forward to working in cooperation with Turkey to implement the WTO Panel finding and to resume our mutually beneficial trade relationship.”