Despite strong scientific evidence and representations made by international
scientific organizations, a considerable number of countries have imposed
import bans on pork in response to the H1N1 pandemic. The imposition
of these barriers is contrary to WTO rules. The motivation for the imposition
of these barriers does not appear to have arisen from producers' requests
or consumer lobbying - political precaution provides the motivation.
There appears to be little control over political precaution in the
rules of international trade. Hence, the balance between the strong
rules of trade desired by firms wishing to engage in international commerce
and the need, at times, for politicians to respond to requests for protection
may be changing in favour of more protection.
Keywords: H1N1, import bans, pork, precaution, protection, swine
