A report released by a World Trade Organisation dispute panel overnight means Australian sugar exporters are a step closer to a level playing field in international sugar markets.

Australia launched a WTO dispute in early 2019 in relation to the Indian Government providing domestic support and export subsidies to its sugar growers, contrary to its WTO obligations.

The dispute panel’s report, released yesterday, found that India’s mandatory minimum prices for sugarcane and other payments and policies in favour of sugarcane producers represented domestic assistance and export subsidies, which were prohibited under WTO rules.

The panel recommended that India withdraw its prohibited subsidies within 120 days from the adoption of its report.

The panel’s ruling may be subject to appeal.

As a great trading nation, a fair and robust rules-based international trade system is firmly in Australia’s national interest.

This includes a functional WTO disputes and appellate system.

WEDNESDAY, 15 DECEMBER 2021