Thailand – Subsidies on Sugar

Request to Join Consultations

Communication from the European Union

The following communication, dated 15 April 2016, from the delegation of the European Union to the delegation of Brazil, the delegation of Thailand and to the Chairperson of the Dispute Settlement Body, is circulated in accordance with Article 4.11 of the DSU.

_______________

Pursuant to Article 4.11 of the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU), the European Union hereby notifies the Government of Brazil, the Government of Thailand, and the Dispute Settlement Body that, in the light of the substantial trade interest of the European Union, it desires to be joined in the consultations requested by Brazil in a communication circulated to WTO Members on 7 April 2016 WT/DS507/1, G/L/1146, G/SCM/D110/1) entitled Thailand – Subsidies on Sugar.

The European Union is a major global exporter of sugar and maintains important trade relations with Thailand. It annually exports around 1.4 million tonnes of sugar. The Thai sugar subsidies may have a substantial impact on trade flows between the European Union and export markets. Accordingly, the European Union has a substantial trade interest in this dispute.

The European Union looks forward to being informed of the date and venue of the consultations.

__________