US defends restrictions on Argentine lemons, beef

The United States on Wednesday defended restrictions on imports of beef and lemons from Argentina after the South American country said it planned to challenge the measures at the World Trade Organisation. The defence came amid escalating tensions over Argentina's trade policies.
On Tuesday, the United States and Japan challenged Argentine government regulations that require prior approval of nearly all foreign purchases as a violation of WTO rules. Argentina's Foreign Ministry did not comment directly on the US and Japanese complaints but said it would file a complaint at the WTO over Washington's policies that hamper lemon and fresh beef imports.