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In February 1999, the United States and Australia requested consultations with Korea, claiming that Korea maintained an array of restrictions that prevented imported beef from competing on the same footing as domestically-produced Korean beef. These included a dual retail system which required retailers to install separate display counters and signage if they wanted to seel imported beef. In the complaining countries' views, Korea had also miscalculated, and therefore exceeded, its allowable level of domestic agricultural support in 1997 and 1998. New Zealand joined in these consultations, which failed to settle the dispute. The United States and Australua requested the establishment of an adjudicative WTO Panel in April and July of 1999 respectively. In July 1999 a "merged" Panel was established in respect of both requests. New Zealand participated as a third party.
The Panel issued its Report in July 2000, and found comprehensively in favour of the principal complainants, Australia and the US, as well as New Zealand as a third party. The Panel's findings were subsequently upheld by the WTO's Appellate Body in November 2000, and Korea was given until 10 September 2001 to comply. Prior to the passing of that date, Korea announced that it would implement the ruling by dismantling the dual retail system.
The Reports of the Panel and Appellate Body are available on the WTO's website.
The United States and Australia requested consultations under the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding in February and April of 1999 respectively. New Zealand and Canada joined in these consultations, which failed to settle the dispute. The United States and Australia requested the establishment of an adjudicative WTO Panel in April and July of 1999 respectively. In July 1999 a “merged” Panel was established in respect of both requests. New Zealand and Canada reserved third party rights.
In November of 1999, New Zealand lodged a detailed written submission on the dispute with the Panel. The Panel issued its Report in July 2000, and found comprehensively in favour of the principal complainants, Australia and the US, as well as New Zealand as a third party. Korea has a right to lodge an appeal against the Panel’s findings to the WTO Appellate Body.
