A brief introduction to the trade dispute over the sale of bananas into the European Union (EU) market which arose from the complex licensing system developed by the EU to regulate banana imports in the 'Single Market' in 1993 and ended in April 2001 is provided. Five aspects related to the banana...

This chapter discusses the system of banana production and marketing in Central America, and the relationship between firms and governments in the region. That these countries have diverse objectives when it comes to the regulation of the banana trade is illustrated by their different actions in...

This chapter addresses the banana trade dispute from the perspective of the European Union (EU) policy debate. The early compromise for bananas in the European Council is discussed, along with the issue of access for French overseas bananas and the derogation of German imports. The enlargement of...

This chapter discusses the European Union single market scheme for bananas along with proposals for quota consolidation and the negotiation of the Banana Framework Agreement. The chapter begins with an overview of the history of the banana trade in the Windward Islands in the Caribbean and the...

This concluding chapter draws some lessons for the trade system and for avoiding or resolving trade conflicts in the future from the banana trade dispute between the USA and the European Union. Five facets of trade are discussed: the question of preferences and the integration of former colonial...