EC discusses banana suppliers deal

The European Commission said it’s negotiating with leading banana suppliers in Latin America towards a deal that should gradually reduce Europe\'s import tariffs.



Commission officials are hoping that the agreement will finally end a long-running dispute that also involves countries of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group.



Latin American banana nations, led by Ecuador have complained that the EU’s banana regime discriminates against them and favours ACP fruit, which attracts no tariffs.



ACP nations said the duties are needed to protect exports from their own disadvantaged regions.