Panama opposes Colombia’s textile tariff
21/06/2013
Panama is arguing that Colombia's import tariff on those products is higher than the maximum allowed under its WTO membership agreement.
At the end of January, Colombia announced a duty of $4 per kilo will be added to imported textiles and apparel. The “specific tariff” will mainly affect the cheapest imports, as those imported at a “fair price” will benefit from a decrease in taxation from 15% to 10%, it said. For footwear, a tariff of $5 per pair was added, plus 10% of value.
It is the third time that Panama has complained to the WTO about the way Colombia treats its imports. The first complaint was withdrawn in 2006 after the two agreed a solution. Colombia lost the second in 2009 and was told to bring its laws into line with the WTO rules.
The filing triggers a 60-day period in which Colombia can try to settle the dispute. After 60 days, Panama can ask the WTO to judge the matter.
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