At a recent meeting of the World Trade Organization's Dispute Settlement Body (DSB), members adopted a panel report concerning Colombia’s anti-dumping duties on frozen fries imported from Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. The European Union requested the adoption of the compliance panel's report in case DS591. The panel had found that Colombia did not fully comply with an earlier ruling and arbitration award under the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arbitration Arrangement (MPIA).
The EU stated: "The compliance panel report confirmed that Colombia incorrectly implemented the panel report and the appeal arbitration award," urging Colombia to act immediately to comply with the ruling. The EU also highlighted that this dispute benefited from a functioning dispute settlement system due to both parties' use of the MPIA.
Colombia responded by expressing disagreement with both the original findings and those in the compliance proceedings but indicated it would comply with the findings. "It was in contact with the EU to ensure the dispute is resolved," Colombia said.
The DSB formally adopted the panel report.
Separately, two items were removed from the agenda at the start of the meeting. These included Indonesia’s request for adoption of a panel ruling against EU duties on stainless steel products, which was withdrawn after an EU appeal, and an EU request for authorization to impose countermeasures on US goods related to duties on ripe olives from Spain.
On Appellate Body appointments, Colombia spoke for 130 WTO members in introducing for a 92nd time a proposal to start filling vacancies on this key body. According to Colombia: "The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO's dispute settlement system."
The United States reiterated its opposition: "It does not support the proposed decision and said it continues to reflect on...a reformed WTO dispute settlement system that advances US interests while preserving US sovereignty."
Twenty-five members commented during this discussion, most supporting efforts to relaunch Appellate Body appointments. Several delegations thanked chairs for recent consultations on reforming dispute settlement procedures, while around twelve members encouraged others to join interim appeal arrangements such as MPIA.
Colombia noted regret over continued delays: "Ongoing conversations about reform...should not prevent [the] Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under [the] DSU to fill vacancies as they arise."
In other business, Indonesia voiced concern over an EU decision to appeal a panel ruling regarding duties on stainless steel cold-rolled flat products (DS616). Indonesia stated: "The manner in which this right to appeal is exercised today will continue to bring adverse implication[s] to...the multilateral trading system." Indonesia signaled openness toward ad hoc arbitration under Article 25 as a way forward.
The EU replied that without available appeal arbitration mechanisms, it had no choice but to exercise its right of appeal. It restated its invitation for Indonesia to join MPIA or engage bilaterally regarding an appeal arrangement.
Several other member states contributed comments during these exchanges.
Status reports were presented by various parties on ongoing disputes covering topics such as palm oil-based biofuels (EU), biotech product approvals (EU), anti-dumping measures affecting Japanese steel (US), copyright legislation (US), trade measures involving Korean washers (US), Chinese anti-dumping methodologies (US), and Indonesian horticultural imports.
The next regular DSB meeting is scheduled for December 19, 2025.