EU, South Korea Fail To Solve Shipbuilding Row

EU, South Korea Fail To Solve Shipbuilding Row Two-and-a-half days of talks between the European Union and South Korea failed to allay European concerns that South Korean shipyards are charging unfairly low prices, according to an EU official.

The 15-nation EU has accused South Korea of using western subsidies to sell ships at below construction cost and of putting European rivals out of business. It said late last year it was considering taking action at the World Trade Organization (WTO). South Korea has denied the allegations.

The EU has held three sessions of talks with South Korea aimed at reaching an solution. Negotiators plan to talk again by telephone March 23, the official said. This could be followed by ministerial-level talks.