Panama Requests Consulations with Columbia Over Textile Dispute at WTO

Yesterday, Panama filed a request for consulations with Columbia at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Dispute Settlement Body.  Panama is complaining that certain Columbian customs measures relating to the importation of textiles, apparel and footwear violate Columbia's WTO obligations. The matter has been assinged case number WT/DS461/1.

The request for consultations in the first step in the dispute settlement process. If the parties fail to negotiate a settlement of the matter within 60 days, Panama will be entitled to request the establishment of a dispute settlement panel.

(cgb)