WTO gives final approval on more trade sanctions against U.S. over Byrd amendment

The World Trade Organisation has given final approval for the European Union, Japan and others to hit the United States with more than 100 million euros in combined trade sanctions. The case involves the so-called Byrd amendment, under which the U.S. breaks trade rules, by handing out duties raised through anti-dumping protection measures to American firms. Brussels has warned it could slap additional duties on U.S. goods early in 2005, if Washington does not repeal the measure. The Bush administration has called on legislators to scrap the law, but many in Congress like it; it punishes foreign companies accused of dumping, or exporting goods at below the cost of production.

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