No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveAn End to Banana Wars Possibly in Sight

An End to Banana Wars Possibly in Sight

Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Minister  Marco Vinicio Ruíz confirmed rumors Wednesday that the European Union (EU) and the Central American countries are approaching an agreement relating to banana tariffs, but he said negotiations aren’t as close as has been reported.

“I think (others) have been a little optimistic,” he said in a phone interview with The Tico Times. “Not only do banana tariffs have to be negotiated, but there are other issues that need to be discussed.”

Ruíz, who has played a central role in the negotiations as the trade minister for the third leading banana exporter in the world, said bananas aren’t the only product being negotiated.

“Because we are negotiating this as a group of countries, we have to wait until other countries are in agreement,” he said. “There are some countries that want a better (tariff) … for (products) like rum … and flowers.”

On Wednesday, EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton told Reuters news service that the parties are approaching “the closing stages of what could be the end of this long dispute” and that an agreement could be reached in the coming week.

Ruíz responded, “I don’t want to sound negative … The discussion has really advanced … But we haven’t finished.”

An agreement over banana tariffs would mark the end of a 16-year dispute between Europe and Latin American exporters, who pay higher taxes than their African counterparts. It would also open doors for an association agreement with the EU.

Ruíz said he expects consensus to be reached before the end of the year.

–Chrissie Long

 

Trending Now

Obesity in Costa Rica: A Growing Health Crisis After 35 Years of Change

Recent studies claim that about one-third of adults in Costa Rica are considered obese and another third overweight. Which means about two-thirds of adults...

El Salvador Sentences Ex-Military Chiefs for 1982 Murder of Dutch Journalists

A court in El Salvador sentenced three former military chiefs to 60 years in prison on Thursday for the murder of four Dutch journalists...

Chiquita Brands Leaves Panama Amid Protests, Talks Underway to Resume

Laid-off workers from the U.S.-based banana company Chiquita Brands said on Monday that they are hoping for the company’s return to Panama, after it...

Costa Rica Faces Scrutiny After Murder of Exiled Nicaraguan Officer

The Costa Rican government is facing growing criticism after the murder of exiled Nicaraguan military officer Roberto Samcam, who was shot to death in...

Fishing, Wildlife, and History in Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado

Costa Rica’s Barra del Colorado is a magical and charming town. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems, best known for its world-class sport...

2025 Gold Cup: Honduras Advances After Dramatic Shootout, Mexico Ends Goal Drought

Honduras, with a surprising and dramatic penalty shootout victory over Panama, and Mexico, with a lackluster win against Saudi Arabia, advanced Saturday to the...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica