WTO Dispute against Canada

The Turnbull Government is taking the next step in itsWorld Trade Organization (WTO) dispute against Canada's discriminatory measuresaffecting Australian wine.

In January Australia launchedformal WTO consultations against Canada in the hope that it would remove itsrestrictions on the sale of imported wine in grocery stores, and giveAustralian wines equal access to the Canadian market. It was the first time since2003 Australia had initiated formal WTO action.

We are disappointed that Canadahas not taken concrete action to respond to our concerns, which unfairlyrestricts Australia's wine trade, and is inconsistent with Canada's WTOobligations.

Australia has now requested theWTO establish a panel to resolve our dispute with Canada.

Wine is an important exportfor Australia and helps create and support Australian jobs. The TurnbullGovernment will stand up for our producers and not allow other countries todiscriminate against us, costing us exports and potentially jobs.

Canada is Australia's fourthlargest export market for wine, currently valued at $187 million.

Consistent with our strongbilateral relationship, Australia remains open to discussing resolution of ourconcerns with Canada.

Australia strongly supports themultilateral trading system, with the WTO at its heart. One of the keystrengths of the WTO is its disputes system, which ensures WTO Members complyfully with their commitments.