The Agreement on Mutual Acceptance of Oenological Practices (winemaking) recognizes that wine making practices around the world differ due to local conditions, climatic variations and traditions. Under the Agreement, each country will permit the importation of wines from the other countries that were made in accordance with their domestically-approved wine making practices.

In other provisions, the Agreement will establish transparency requirements and consultation and dispute settlement mechanisms. The Agreement does not limit the United States' rights or obligations under the WTO Agreement, including the right to take measures for the protection of human health and safety.

U.S. wine exports to Australia, Canada, Chile and New Zealand totaled $93 million in 2000, while U.S. wine imports from the four countries were valued at $434 million.

Background:

The Agreement will enter into force when two of the five signatory countries complete their approval procedures for trade agreements and formally notify the United States (the depository country). The remaining signatories will become parties as they complete their approval procedures.

Argentina and South Africa took part in the negotiation of the Agreement, and have the option to sign it prior to March 31, 2002. Additional countries may join the arrangement under procedures and conditions established in the Agreement.