Chicken War

Summary of Chicken War

A protracted dispute between the United States and the European Economic Community arising from the adoption of Europe’s COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY (read this and related legal terms for further details) on chicken in 1962. Prior to that year, American chicken had entered many European countries at a preferential rate. Adoption of the CAP, however, imposed minimum import pricing upon all imported chicken, increasing the levy on U.S. imports from 4.5 cents to 13.5 cents and resulting in a first-year loss of market of $26 million for U.S. chicken farmers. In response, the United States imposed punitive levies on European trucks, brandy, and other items. The dispute is significant in reflecting the impact on American agriculture arising from implementation of the CAP.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)

Chicken War and the GATT Policy Negotiations

In relation to the GATT Policy Negotiations, Christopher Mark (1993) provided the following explanation and/or definition of Chicken War: A trade war that occurred in 1962-63 between the United States and the European Community. Prior to 1962, US chicken exports had entered many European countries at a bound tariff rate. Adoption of the Common Agricultural Policy imposed minimum import prices on all imported chicken, nullifying prior tariff concessions and causing an estimated $26 million in losses to US poultry farmers. When attempts to achieve a negotiated resolution failed, the United States imposed retaliatory duties on European trucks, brandy, and other products.