UNITED STATES - IMPORT PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN SHRIMP

                                                     AND SHRIMP PRODUCTS

                                                     Request to Join Consultations

                                                    Communication from Australia

        The following communication, dated 16 October 1996, from the Permanent Mission of Australia to the Permanent Missions of the United States, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

                                                            _______________

        I am writing to inform you that, pursuant to paragraph 11 of Article 4 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes, the Government of Australia wishes to be joined in the consultations under Article XXII of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade 1994 requested by the Governments of India, Malaysia, Pakistan and Thailand regarding the ban imposed upon importation of shrimp and shrimp products by the United States under Section 609 of U.S. Public Law 101-162.

        Australia, as a significant exporter of shrimp, with exports in 1995/96 valued at $A220 million, and an export interest in the United States market, considers it has a substantial trade interest in these consultations.