European Union
Leading developing countries on Monday launched a scathing critique of rich states, particularly the European Union, for being out of proportion in their demands for liberalization during the World Trade Organization (WTO) talks. The eight countries – Brazil, India, Indonesia, Namibia, Pakistan, the Philippines, South Africa, and Venezuela – accused the EU
European Union
Pressure is mounting on the United States and the European Union to dramatically slash their agricultural subsidies ahead of a crucial meeting of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Hong Kong. A new study by Oxfam has found that up to 38 developing nations, including Mexico, Brazil, and Mozambique, could
International trade
Critics of rich country farm subsidies are mobilizing against what they see as distortions in global trade, following successful cases brought against the US and the European Union. A report co-authored by Oxfam and a trade law firm found that $13 billion worth of subsidies in the EU and US
International trade
The European Union's efforts to reform its sugar and banana trading regimes have encountered unforeseen consequences, particularly for some of the world's poorest countries. The reforms, aimed at meeting World Trade Organisation rulings, have highlighted the preferential market access granted to the African, Caribbean, and Pacific
International trade
The Philippines is calling for developed nations, particularly the United States and European Union, to reduce their agricultural subsidies to create a level playing field for developing countries to compete in international trade. According to Trade and Industry Secretary Peter B. Favila, the reduction of subsidies and protection in the
International trade
Australian Prime Minister John Howard emphasized that agricultural trade is a critical issue for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and that progress on this front is essential for progress on other trade talks. Speaking after the APEC leaders' summit, Mr. Howard highlighted the importance of addressing agricultural protection, citing
International trade
The US Trade Representative, Rob Portman, expressed disappointment at China's performance in fulfilling its World Trade Organisation (WTO) commitments, particularly in areas such as market access and intellectual property rights. Portman urged China to take a more active role in negotiations over agricultural subsidies to salvage the upcoming
International trade
The current state of the Doha round of trade talks may seem bleak, but it has a history of near breakthroughs and near breakdowns. Despite initial setbacks, the round has been revitalized, clearing the decks for eventual success. History suggests that panic is unwarranted, and there are reasons to hope
International trade
US trade negotiators are facing pressure from trading partners who want America to change its system of farm subsidies, which give its agribusinesses an unfair trade advantage. During his visit to Latin America, leaders complained to President George W. Bush that the $20 billion in annual subsidies paid to US
International trade
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
European Union
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has dealt a significant blow to the United States' efforts to shield giant aircraft manufacturer Boeing from international competition. After a six-year battle, the WTO panel declared that the US subsidy scheme, known as the American Jobs Creation Act, violates international trade rules. The
European Union
The World Trade Organization has ruled that the US continues to break global trade rules with tax breaks benefiting Boeing Co., General Electric, and other major exporters. The EU, which first challenged US tax laws at the WTO in 1998, can now punish US firms with trade sanctions unless Congress
