FED: Fischer attacks US lamb decision

AAP General News (Australia)
02-10-1999
FED: Fischer attacks US lamb decision

The federal government says the United States is seeking to punish Australian lamb
producers because its consumers prefer leaner Australian lamb chops to the fattier US product.

The US International Trade Commission has ruled in favour of local lamb producers who say
imports, mostly from Australia and New Zealand, are threatening their livelihoods.

A hearing will be held later this month to consider whether tariffs or quotas should be
imposed on lamb imported into the United States.

Deputy Prime Minister TIM FISCHER says American consumers prefer lean Australian lamb to
the fattier, local product.

He says the CLINTON administration is hypocritical in its willingness to work with
Australia to push for the scrapping of trade restrictions elsewhere, while protecting its own
patch from any competitor.

But Mr FISCHER says yesterday's ruling was not final, and Australia will lobby to have the
decision overturned before tariffs or quotas are imposed.

AAP RTV ss/mfh/rp/jn

KEYWORD: US LAMB FISCHER (CANBERRA)

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