Chickens slaughtered in the United States, claim officials in Brussels, are not fit to grace European tables. No, say the Americans: our fowl are fine, we simply clean them in a different way. These days, it is differences in national regulations, far more than tariffs, that put sand in the wheels of trade between rich countries. It is not just farmers who are complaining. An electric razor that meets the European Union's safety standards must be approved by American testers before it can be sold in the United States, and an American-made dialysis machine needs the EU's okay before it hits the market in Europe.
As it happens, a razor that is safe in Europe is unlikely to electrocute Americans. So, ask businesses on both sides of the Atlantic, why have two lots of tests where one would do? Politicians agree, in principle, so America and the EU have been trying to reach a deal which would eliminate the need to double - test many products. They hope to finish in time for a trade summit between America and the EU on May 28th. Although negotiators are optimistic, the details are complex enough that they may be hard - pressed to get a deal at all.
Why? One problem is that while both America and the EU have schemes to test products, they have different approaches, different priorities and different timetables. Another factor is that European companies are more squeamish about animal testing. The Americans say that by accepting outside testing, they are losing control of their own trade policies. And then there are the costs. The EU's tests are supposed to be more expensive than America's, but some American companies have to pay for both.
There is no sign that consumers are being short - changed as a result of these trade barriers. Indeed, EU consumers are probably better off, since they are protected from products that may not be safe. And American consumers may be better off, too. Since they are not being bombarded with unsafe products, they may have more time to consider the products that are actually available.
The real problem is that trade barriers are rising, not falling. This is a result of political will. Politicians are under pressure from their voters to be tough on trade. They are also under pressure from business lobbyists who want to keep out foreign competitors. But the biggest factor is that trade barriers are easy to erect, and difficult to dismantle. Once a trade barrier is in place, it is hard to get rid of it. This is because it is difficult to prove that a trade barrier is not necessary. And if a trade barrier is not necessary, then it is illegal under international law. So, politicians are reluctant to remove trade barriers, even when they know that they are not necessary.
So, what can be done? One solution is to have more international cooperation. The World Trade Organization (WTO) could play a more active role in reducing trade barriers. Another solution is to have more transparency. Politicians could be more open about the reasons for erecting trade barriers. And then there is the question of consumer education. Consumers could be better informed about the safety of products. But these solutions are not easy to implement. And in the meantime, trade barriers are rising, not falling.