Conflict Management in Transatlantic Trade Relations
Not Every Dispute Should Be Subject to the WTO
SWP Comment 2009/C 16, 15.08.2009, 4 Pages Research AreasNot Every Dispute Should Be Subject to the WTO
SWP Comment 2009/C 16, 15.08.2009, 4 Pages Research AreasIn early May this year, one of the longest transatlantic trade rows – the dispute over the European Union's import ban on hormone-treated beef from the United States – was temporarily settled. Given the multitude of trade disputes that could possibly escalate this year – the Airbus-Boeing conflict, the controversy over genetically modified corn, and the "Buy American" clause – it is worth thoroughly reflecting on the different dispute-settlement fora. The three available institutions – the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Transatlantic Economic Council (TEC), as well as several institutionalised bilateral dialogues on the political and working levels – are not equally suited to address different types of trade conflicts.