Competitors complain about US trade law

European Union officials have signalled the possibility of another trade dispute with the United States.

The European Union trade commissioner, Pascal Lamy, says a new American law will encourage US firms to make complaints against foreign competitors as a way of raising money.

At issue is American anti-dumping legislation that's intended to punish foreigners for competing unfairly in the US market.

It would allow any fines imposed by US courts to go directly to American companies.

Mr Lamy said the new law broke guidelines set by the World Trade Organisation. He said the EU and a coalition of eight other trading nations -- including Japan -- had initiated a complaint against the United States at the W-T-O.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service