Patatje oorlog: Colombia appeals in dispute over imported frozen fries

Colombia has turned up the heat in a dispute with the Netherlands and other European countries over import tariffs on french fries.

The South American country is appealing against a World Trade Organisation (WTO) ruling against its 8% duty on frozen fries.

It claimed Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany were deliberately selling batches for less than the market price to gain an unfair advantage on domestic producers.

The three countries took the case to the WTO after negotiations failed to resolve the situation. The WTO found in favour of the European countries, but Colombia has appealed against the decision and requested an arbitration hearing.

The disputed tariff will remain in force until the WTO issues a new judgment, which is likely to take months.