US and Japan object to ban on Indian onion exports

The US and Japan have appealed to the World Trade Organization (WTO) against India's multiple bans on the export of onions. The argument is that such a ban without notice puts the importing countries in great difficulty. The countries have asked India to clarify its course of action and to explain why it has not opted for an export quota, which would allow some exports. The countries asked the Indian government to explain why no notification was given before the measure was taken, while prior notification is required under Article 12 of the Agreement on Agriculture. “Explain how India has taken into account the impact of the measure on the food security of the importing countries. Please explain the reason why India has resorted to the export ban on the products instead of an export quota, which is a certain amount exports," Japan and the US declared jointly. In September, the government banned the export of all onion varieties, as the country expected a shortage when exports ...