Argentina ban threatens deal

EU farm ministers and officials have warned that restrictions on food imports by Argentina could undermine renewed free trade talks between the EU and the Mercosur group of South American countries.

EU countries, including France, Germany and Italy, have backed a complaint by Greece over Argentina’s curbs, which include cancellation or suspension of $2.4 million of canned peach imports – equivalent to 40% of Greek exports to Argentina.

EU Agriculture Commissioner Dacian Ciolos said the restrictions were being applied to nearly all agro-food products which the EU exports to Argentina.