N.Z. working on apple quota

Press, 2 May 1988, Page 3

N.Z. working on apple quota

Political reporter New Zealand is working with Chile to resolve the apple quota imposed on southern hemisphere producers by the European Commission last month, said the Minister of Overseas Trade, Mr Moore, yesterday. Apple exports to Europe had been a difficult issue for some years, he said. A binding agreement allowed producers such as New Zealand and Chile to sell in the European Community during its offseason of April to August. Increasing volumes had led the Europeans to seek restraint. “The reality is that

Chile has increased its sendings tremendously,” said Mr Moore. New Zealand was now proposing various actions to the Chileans, although Mr Moore would not be specific. When the apple quotas were imposed on April 25, he suggested New Zealand might take a case against the European Community under the G.A.T.T. trade rules. Yesterday, on his return home from a six-day visit to Europe, Mr Moore said the European Commission vice-president, Mr Frans Andriesen, had agreed to call for reports on the imposition of apple quotas.