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International trade

Australian and Brazilian Farmers Unite in Demanding Trade Reform at WTO Talks

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Australian and Brazilian farmers have jointly called for substantial cuts in agricultural protection during the ongoing World Trade Organization (WTO) talks in Hong Kong. The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CAN) have issued a joint statement urging all WTO members to redouble their efforts in reducing trade barriers, particularly in developed countries. The statement highlights the need for reforms in market access, domestic support, and export competition. The joint statement comes amidst concerns that the EU, particularly France, may veto a WTO deal if there is no agreement on farm tariffs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CAN) have issued a joint statement supporting the Doha round of WTO negotiations and demanding substantial cuts in agricultural protection.
  • The statement calls for aggressive tariff reduction in developed countries, meaningful and substantial reduction of trade-distorting domestic support, and the elimination of export subsidies within five years.
  • WTO ministers are due to meet in Hong Kong next month to discuss progress on a trade deal, amidst concerns that France may veto any deal if there is no agreement on farm tariffs.
  • US, Indian, and Japanese trade ministers will meet in London to discuss progress on a trade deal.
  • Australian farmers will join other nations in further talks in Geneva tomorrow.
  • The joint statement emphasizes the need for reforms in market access, domestic support, and export competition.
  • The two farming organizations have called on all WTO members to redouble their efforts to achieve a comprehensive approach to the agriculture negotiations.
  • Brazilian and Australian farmers cannot afford and will not accept a poor outcome from these negotiations.

Statistics:

  • 5 weeks remaining before the WTO ministerial conference in Hong Kong.
  • 5 years within which export subsidies must be eliminated.
  • The Doha round of WTO negotiations is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve world trade rules for agriculture.

Sources:

  • Asia Pulse - Canberra, Nov 7.
  • National Farmers' Federation (NFF) and the Brazilian Confederation of Agriculture and Livestock (CAN) joint statement.
  • WTO ministers will meet in Hong Kong next month.
  • French Trade Minister Christine Lagarde's warning on France vetoing a WTO deal if there is no agreement on farm tariffs.

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