The United States and Latin American producers told the World Trade Organisation (WTO) yesterday that current EU proposals on changing its banana import system would not match WTO rules.

The plans, still under discussion among the EU's 15 member-states where they also face opposition, are aimed at bringing the present system into line with WTO panel rulings, which found that the EU was breaking commitments on open trading.

Trade sources said US ambassador Ms Rita Hayes told the WTO's dispute settlement body the proposed new system, as outlined by Brussels, would still discriminate against one group of banana producers in favour of another.

The EU's envoy, Mr Roderick Abbott, insisted that, under the system, Brussels would be in conformity with WTO regulations.