Food Prices and Export Restrictions

The recent rise in food prices seems to be causing some people to take a closer look at export restrictions:

From Japan:

Japanese Agriculture Minister Masatoshi Wakabayashi said on Tuesday that Japan will propose that the World Trade Organisation set clear rules for food export restrictions imposed by producing countries.

Wakabayashi said Japan will urge that the WTO create a mechanism for food importers, such as Japan, to give an opinion when notified about restrictions by an exporting country.

"In order to exercise export controls, rules have to be clearer," Wakabayashi told a news conference, the text of which was published on the ministry's website.

From the EU:

In Tokyo, EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson said the World Trade Organization should pressure food-producing countries to maintain exports. Some nations have banned exports in an attempt to avert domestic shortages.

"If we restrict trade, we're simply going to add food scarcity to the already large problems of food shortages that exist in different countries," Mandelson said in an interview.

"The WTO stands for free trade. It's also got to stand up against export restrictions, export taxes, which too will stop the free flow of trade in foodstuffs and agricultural produce."

I found the reference to "export taxes" interesting.  Perhaps the food price issue will generate some support for bringing export taxes more clearly within the WTO framework.