African and Caribbean countries stood in the way of a deal Sunday that would end the European Union's long-running "banana war" with Latin American nations at the World Trade Organization.

The deal would benefit banana exporting nations such as Ecuador as well as multinational growers like Chiquita Brands International Inc and Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.

Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim told reporters late Sunday an agreement had been reached, but his comments clashed with those of African and Caribbean nations that currently benefit from preferential access to the European Union.

The EU has repeatedly been found in violation of global trade rules for favouring banana growers from mostly British and French ex-colonies.

The EU said it would be prepared to cut import charges on Latin American bananas to euro114 (US$179) per metric tonne, down from euro176 (US$277), by 2016, according to the text of the offer which was seen by The Associated Press.