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WTO Doha Round: US Negotiators Seek Non-Specific Framework on Agriculture Sector

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

US negotiators, despite reservations over the latest World Trade Organization (WTO) draft on the Doha Round, are expected to opt for a general framework on opening up the agriculture sector. This move, advocated by former White House trade advisors, would allow President George W. Bush to delay making costly decisions on domestic subsidies and market opening during an election year. The framework's flexibility would also enable the next US president to request an extension of the "fast track" rules, essentially extending WTO negotiations for two more years.

Key Takeaways:

  • US negotiators are likely to support a non-specific framework on opening up the agriculture sector due to its flexibility and potential for delay.
  • The proposed framework would permit the US government to request an extension of the "fast track" rules, thereby postponing WTO negotiations for two years.
  • Former White House trade advisor Andrew Shoyer emphasized the importance of a general framework that can be used as a foundation for requesting an extension of the "fast track" rules next year.
  • The current WTO draft has generated discrepancies that US negotiators aim to address through this general framework.
  • President George W. Bush would benefit from delaying decisions on domestic subsidies and market openings during the election year.
  • The flexibility of the proposed framework would enable the next US president to influence WTO negotiations.

Statistics:

  • The Doha Round negotiations have been ongoing, with no clear deadline.
  • The US government's "fast track" or "Trade Promotion Authority" (TPA) is set to expire in two years.
  • The proposed framework would allow the US government to request an extension of the TPA, effectively delaying WTO negotiations.
  • According to former White House trade advisor Andrew Shoyer, a general framework is essential for the US government's negotiation strategy.

Sources:

  • El Universal
  • Corporate Mexico by Internet Securities, Inc.
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)
  • Euromoney Institutional Investor Company

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