CANADA - MEASURES AFFECTING DAIRY EXPORTS

                                                     Request to Join Consultations

                                              Communication from the United States

        The following communication, dated 16 January 1998, from the Permanent Mission of the United States to the Permanent Mission of New Zealand, and to the Permanent Mission of Canada and to the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

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        Pursuant to paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, the United States Government hereby notifies the Government of Canada that, in light of the substantial trade interest of the United States, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by New Zealand in a communication circulated to WTO Members on 8 January 1998 (WT/DS113/1) entitled Canada - Measures Affecting Dairy Exports.

        The United States has a substantial trade interest in the matter that is the subject of the requested consultations.  Canadian dairy product exports into the United States have increased in the last three years, with particularly rapid growth occurring during 1997.  In addition, Canada has expanded its dairy product exports to third countries and reduced U.S. exports and export opportunities in those markets.