U.S. eyes closer engagement with Asia through trade Nov 14, 2009
Leaders are also expected to pledge a political commitment to resume the World Trade Organization (WTO)-sponsored Doha Round of global trade talks which started in 2001 but repeatedly missed deadlines to complete over wide disputes on agriculture. The reluctance of the U.S. and Europe to substantially roll back farm subsidies is blamed for the lack of progress of the Doha Round of trade talks, which aims to help poor countries prosper through global trade. (Xinhuanet, China)
China's trade surplus looms large Nov 13, 2009
China wants the US to speed up recognition of China as a market economy, ahead of the 2016 deadline agreed on when Beijing negotiated entry into the World Trade Organization ... The latest Chinese action comes after it earlier responded to the US imposition in September to tariffs on automobile and light-truck tires by filing a complaint to the World Trade Organization and initiating the now broadened anti-dumping investigations into imports of US auto parts and chicken products. (Asia Times Online)
Asia Summit Awaits Obama Trade Policy Promised in May as Agreements Linger Nov 13, 2009
Bush also started the of negotiations in the World Trade Organization, which remain unfinished, and said the U.S. would like to join a trade agreement among Singapore, New Zealand, Chile and Brunei ... and to meet World Trade Organization officials in Geneva, his group was peppered with inquiries about U.S. intentions. (Bloomberg -- US)
Boeing says first 747-8 emerges from factory Nov 13, 2009
A bipartisan group of lawmakers who support Boeing in its bid for a $35 billion tanker contract want President Barack Obama to force the Air Force to include a recent World Trade Organization ruling against Airbus in its decision. The WTO in September issued an interim ruling that found Airbus received illegal launch aid from European governments to build its aircraft. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
The Fall of the Berlin Wall: A 20-Year Adventure Nov 12, 2009
The fall of the Berlin Wall did help German companies expand into Eastern Europe and turn the unified Germany into the world's largest exporter -- yes, bigger than either China or the United States, according to the World Trade Organization. Nor has the German stock market done poorly. (Human Events Online)
Resisting trade protectionism, a pressing issue for APEC Nov 12, 2009
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has been raising alarm bells about what it calls "protectionism juggernaut". According to its statistics, some 150 trade protectionist actions have been launched across the globe since the international financial crisis intensified, with hundreds more in the pipeline. (Xinhuanet, China)
APEC Ministers Make Plans to Sustain Recovery Nov 12, 2009
New Zealand Trade Minister Tim Groser said he was optimistic that Obama would support the plan given the deadlock in World Trade Organization talks. He noted that four APEC members New Zealand, Singapore, Brunei and Chile already have a free-trade pact which could be expanded. (ABC News -- Wire)
Asia's Economic Forum: Seeking New Growth Nov 11, 2009
Still, pressure for reductions in regional trade barriers is building, partly due to frustration over the failure of the World Trade Organization to complete the Doha Development Round, which is supposed to lower trade barriers globally. Leaders at the upcoming APEC summit are expected to commit to the completion of a basic framework for an Asia-Pacific zone by the end of 2010. (Time.com)
China says U.S. move on imported Chinese-made fastener "rational" Nov 10, 2009
The United States should make decisions according to the World Trade Organization rules and market reality with objectivity and justice, the official said. The U.S. Department of Commerce launched dual investigations on Oct. 14 requested by the U.S. manufacturer Nucor Fastener, which alleged that the Chinese imports enjoy unfair price advantages. (Xinhuanet, China)
Is There Any Hope for Agreement at Copenhagen? Nov 10, 2009
If you want to give a U.N. climate-change negotiator indigestion, which isn't terribly hard to do these days, mention three letters: W-T-O. That stands for the World Trade Organization, the global body charged with supervising and liberalizing international commerce and a whopper of a cautionary tale. Back in November 2001, in Doha, Qatar, the WTO launched what is known as the Doha Development round of negotiations, an effort to increase global trade by reducing trade barriers. (Time.com)
Clock windsdown on APEC Nov 10, 2009
They also followed through on an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the Doha Development Agenda World Trade Organization negotiations to provide the basis for more trade-driven global growth ... In August, the US claimed that China had curbed the import and distribution of foreign publications and audiovisual products in violation of its commitments to the World Trade Organization. (Asia Times Online)
APEC members enjoy de facto integration: report Nov 9, 2009
The report's analysis reveals that APEC members trade with each other more than they do with other free trading agreement partners and much more with trading partners who are both members of the APEC and members of the World Trade Organization. This, say analysts, demonstrates the high level of de facto integration between members of the APEC, even under non-binding arrangements. (Xinhuanet, China)
Colombia turns to UN, OAS after Venezuela war talk Nov 9, 2009
Colombia recently asked the World Trade Organization to intercede after Chavez blocked the import of some Colombian goods in protest of the U.S. military pact. After the United States, the neighboring Andean countries are each other's second biggest trade partners. (AlertNet)
Seeking the cellphone future, in Kampala Nov 8, 2009
" But finally, the future doesn't necessarily have to be a zero sum game, with just one country ruling supreme before another overcomes it: First Britain, than the U.S., and then China. As noted above, China isn't the only country nervous about the dollar. Emerging nations like Brazil and India and Russia are also getting itchy -- and their clout is steadily growing. Michele Bachmann may not like it, but the world is becoming increasingly multipolar. The permanent expansion of the G-7 group of... (Salon)
Pork Producers support nominee for U.S. Trade Representative (2) Nov 8, 2009
The organization also looks forward to a successful conclusion to the World Trade Organization s Doha Round negotiations. NPPC s biggest objective in those multilateral trade talks is significant new market access for U.S. pork in the European Union and in Japan. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Concluding Senior Officials' Meeting of APEC opens Nov 8, 2009
Issues of regional economic integration, the Doha Round of negotiations under the World Trade Organization and climate change are also expected to be high on the leaders' agenda. Senior officials' meetings of the APEC are a series of meetings held three or four times a year, with the concluding session being convened to prepare agenda and documents for the subsequent ministerial and leaders' meetings. (Xinhuanet, China)
Trade protectionism no savior of crisis Nov 8, 2009
A report from the World Trade Organization issued in September said the main risk was that G20 members would continue to bow to protectionist pressures, even if only gradually, particularly as unemployment continued to rise. The world economic order is going through reform but cooperation is always the path to mutual benefits. (Xinhuanet, China)
Globalization Nov 7, 2009
Follow News & Politics. Editor: Updated: Today Topic. (Salon)
APEC searches for its place Nov 7, 2009
Designed to promote Asia-Pacific trade liberalization but without power to make binding agreements such as the World Trade Organization, the question of relevancy has dogged APEC almost since its inception. In 1993, Gareth Evans, former foreign minister of Australia and chairman of the first APEC meeting, famously quipped APEC was "four adjectives looking for a noun.". (CNN -- International)
Michele Bachmann's army marches on Washington Nov 6, 2009
The inability of the West to dictate terms at World Trade Organization negotiations is another. We are headed to a future where decisions are made in a more collective fashion. (Salon)
US slaps tariffs on Chinese steel imports Nov 6, 2009
The US and the European Union this week asked the World Trade Organization to end Chinese restrictions on exports of nine commodities. Chinese steel exports to the US plunged 73 per cent in the first eight months from a year ago, the China Iron & Steel Association said last month. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Washburn: Tiger growing the game » Nov 6, 2009
The weekend event, scheduled to coincide with the announcement of China's ascension into the World Trade Organization, was intended to stimulate the growth of golf in a country barely aware of the sport's existence. Up until that point, golf was little more than an expensive hobby for a few hundred thousand very wealthy Chinese. (ESPN -- Golf)
China defends export restrictions Nov 6, 2009
On Wednesday, the US, with the EU and Mexico, said they had asked the World Trade Organization to set up a dispute settlement panel on the matter. They say China's export policy drives up world prices for the materials. (BBC News -- Americas)
Phil Trucks: To save Florida jobs, stop illegal foreign subsidies Nov 5, 2009
In the midst of the confusing battle over health care and questions as to whether the economic recovery plan is actually working, President Obama has the opportunity to claim a critical and unambiguous victory for working Americans: the World Trade Organization has ruled that the European Unions multibillion- dollar subsidy program to French aerospace giant EADS violates international law. . (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Switzerland falls into line with EU laws Nov 4, 2009
The 59-year-old Cottier has been a member of several committees of the World Trade Organization and its predecessor institution, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. He also worked at the Geneva-based Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies. (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
APEC Forum to Promote Trade, Open Markets at Singapore Summit, Lee Says Nov 3, 2009
APEC will also discuss efforts to reach a new agreement to cut tariffs and subsidies in the World Trade Organization as part of the so-called , Lee said. Talks aimed at reaching a global accord have been stalled for eight years as international leaders warn rising protectionism may deepen the worlds economic slump. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
China imposes duties on chemical from US, EU, SKorea Nov 2, 2009
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NASA probe hits moon's south pole looking for water Nov 1, 2009
The conference is taking place almost exactly 10 years after the 1999 Seattle protests, which overwhelmed the ministerial meetings of the World Trade Organization and altered the shape of globalization debates for years after. Hopes for re-creating an event of that magnitude are based on more than just a coincidental anniversary year. (Salon)
Firms accept Ecuador plan to break pharma patents Nov 1, 2009
Quito has ensured that the move is legal, citing mechanisms under the World Trade Organization which enable countries in health emergencies to compel multinationals to allow local production in the interest of public health. Brazil and Thailand are among the countries that have broken patents on AIDS drugs in order to either produce versions of the drugs themselves or buy cheaper generic alternatives from countries such as India. (Yahoo News -- Pharmaceutical Industry News)
Blair's Fading EU Presidency Chances Spur Race for Top Post in New Treaty Nov 1, 2009
Frenchmen currently lead the European Central Bank, World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund. While German Chancellor dodged questions about the appointment in a post-summit press conference, she is unenthusiastic about Blair, the Munich-based Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported today, citing anonymous government sources. (Bloomberg -- UK)
Review: 'The Yes Men Fix the World' is a hoot Oct 31, 2009
In 2003, they released "The Yes Men," a documentary tracking their exploits as bogus representatives of the World Trade Organization. In their risible new sequel, "The Yes Men Fix the World," they ramp up the production values, yielding a slicker, nervier film that's also - unexpectedly - more sincere. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Entertainment)
More missiles across the strait Oct 31, 2009
" But Chinese President Hu will be eager for Ma to visit early in Ma's second term, if he would be reelected in 2012. Hu is due to step down as China's president in early 2013, just a year later, and he is mindful of the legacy he will leave behind. So far, the fourth-generation Chinese leader is not known for any major accomplishments, compared to his predecessors. Mao, though a tyrannical dictator, is still credited with winning the war against the KMT to found the People's Republic, and... (Asia Times Online)
Truant child stars Oct 30, 2009
In an interview, the actor said the World Trade Organization needs to address the problem of boats fishing on the high seas longer and farther away from port thanks to billions of dollars in annual government handouts. The subsidies are a major reason why 80 percent of the world s fisheries are threatened, and why the industry is bringing in smaller catches despite the bigger fleets, Danson said. (Boston Globe)
Readers Write 10/29 Oct 29, 2009
com, Oct. 1) failed to mention that their tanker was built with subsidies that the World Trade Organization just ruled illegal. Outsourcing this contract would send thousands of U.S. jobs overseas. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Firms accept Ecuador plan to break pharma patents Oct 29, 2009
Quito has ensured that the move is legal, citing mechanisms under the World Trade Organization which enable countries in health emergencies to compel multinationals to allow local production in the interest of public health. Brazil and Thailand are among the countries that have broken patents on AIDS drugs in order to either produce versions of the drugs themselves or buy cheaper generic alternatives from countries such as India. (Yahoo! Asia News)
Case mounts for yuan revaluation Oct 28, 2009
If it had any teeth at all, this would be an issue for the World Trade Organization to tackle. China is rightfully worried about fiscal irresponsibility in Washington damaging its vast dollar holdings. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
US hopes for China talks on trade disputes Oct 28, 2009
" Locke also said climate change and clean energy would be high on the agenda for the meeting of the US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT), which last convened in Yorba Linda, California, in September 2008. "As the world's two biggest emitters of carbon emissions, we also have a responsibility to act," Locke said. Washington and Beijing will be key players at the global climate change talks in Copenhagen in December, which will aim to hammer out a successor treaty to the Kyoto... (Channelnewsasia.com)
China urges EU to revoke anti-dumping decisions Oct 27, 2009
China hopes the European Union can revoke the decision and ruling that violate the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and hurt bilateral trade, the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said in a statement on its website Monday. The statement came after the WTO established an expert panel on Oct. 23 to investigate whether the EU's anti-dumping measures on Chinese-made fasteners violate trade rules. (People's Daily Online, China)
Modesto Police learn tactics to defuse, disperse a crowd Oct 25, 2009
Some of the instructors dealt with the street protests that shut down the 1999 World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle, he said. Modesto police have not faced large-scale, unruly protests in recent years, but the department has had its share of disruptive partygoers leaving downtown nightclubs and bars on weekends. (Modesto Bee, CA)
Crafting a Copenhagen deal with teeth Oct 25, 2009
It would be better to establish a climate oversight body with real enforcement powers much like the World Trade Organization. However, given that countries don't want to be held accountable by international bureaucrats, few (even from Europe and the United States) would vote for such powers. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Tower of Power Oct 24, 2009
But because China has not signed the World Trade Organization agreement that limits protectionism for government procurement, foreign governments have little recourse. China's National Development and Reform Commission said in June that except in cases where the necessary technology is unavailable domestically, funds from the country's $586 billion stimulus package should buy Chinese-made equipment. (Time.com)
China hopes for early normalization of Sino-U.S. poultry trade Oct 24, 2009
"China is evaluating whether the restrictions are totally in line with the non-discrimination principle of the World Trade Organization and other relevant regulations," Yao said ... BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- China hoped experts of the World Trade Organization (WTO) would be "impartial" and "just" in handling the Sino-U.S. poultry trade dispute, Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Yao Jian said Friday ... GENEVA, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The World Trade Organization (WTO) decided on Friday to... (Xinhuanet, China)
China launches anti-dumping investigation into X-ray inspection system imported from EU Oct 24, 2009
GENEVA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government on Monday requested the World Trade Organization (WTO) to establish an expert panel to investigate whether the European Union's antidumping measures on Chinese-made fasteners violate trade rules. The Chinese mission to the WTO has sent a letter to the chairman of the WTO's Dispute Settlement Body, requesting for the establishment of the panel, the mission said in a statement. (Xinhuanet, China)
NCBA's statement on COOL disappointing to some (99) Oct 22, 2009
The Oct. 7 statement by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) regarding Canada's challenge of the U.S. Country of Origin Labeling Law (COOL) under the World Trade Organization (WTO) was disappointing to many cattle producers across the country, including myself. As the primary contractor for, and receiver of, Beef Checkoff funds, NCBA needs to learn to listen to our consumers and respect the hundreds of thousands of cattle producers who pay into the mandatory Beef Checkoff. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
The road to prosperity Oct 19, 2009
The loss of millions of American manufacturing jobs may be directly traced to China's 2001 entry into the World Trade Organization, which gave China unprecedented access to U.S. markets. Since joining the WTO, China has undermined or destroyed many key U.S. industries - e.g., cookware, furniture, textiles, paper, tires and steel. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
China swirls in whirlpool of protectionism Oct 19, 2009
"The World Bank-sponsored Global Antidumping Database suggests that, since the economic turmoil began, countries have been ganging up to use World Trade Organization (WTO) rules in an almost mob-like response to restrict imports from China," said Bown, a US economics professor at Brandeis University, doubting today's struggling world economy could withstand a strong international protectionist backlash ... According to the 16th provision of the Protocol on the Accession of the People's Republic... (Xinhuanet, China)
King up for special envoy spot Oct 18, 2009
to serve as U.S. Ambassador to the World Trade Organization. Punke is a Torrington native, a former senior trade official in the Clinton administration and a celebrated best-selling author. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
China News 2009.10.16 Oct 18, 2009
If China had been designated as a currency manipulator, it would trigger negotiations between the two countries and could lead to economic sanctions if the U.S. took a case before the World Trade Organization. The Semi-Annual Report to Congress on International Economic and Exchange Rate Policies also alleged China's currency exchange rate showed a lack of flexibility and is undervalued. (Xinhuanet, China)
World Briefs Oct 18, 2009
Under World Trade Organization rules, countries can issue "compulsory licenses" to disregard patent rights, but only after negotiating with the patent owners and paying adequate compensation. Negotiating can be skipped by declaring a public-health emergency. (Erie Times-News, PA)
U.S. says China not currency manipulator Oct 16, 2009
If China had been designated as a currency manipulator, it would trigger negotiations between the two countries and could lead to economic sanctions if the U.S. side took a case before the World Trade Organization. The Treasury said that "China's overall policies played an important role in anchoring the global economy in 2009 and promoting a reduction in its current account surplus.". (People's Daily Online, China)
US declines to cite China on currency manipulation Oct 16, 2009
If China had been designated as a currency manipulator, it would have triggered negotiations between the two countries and could have led to economic sanctions if the United States had taken a case before the World Trade Organization. China was cited in previous reports from May 1992 through July 1994 during the administrations of Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Obama brings left, right together -- loudly Oct 16, 2009
Down the block, Jack Chernos of San Francisco strummed his banjo and sang "My People Are Rising," a song he said he wrote for the World Trade Organization protest in Seattle a decade ago. Images. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
'Hannity' Exclusive Oct 15, 2009
We would be our sovereignty would be subject to the dictates of the World Trade Organization, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the U.N. In Soros's view, we've got an international economy, so the international governance organizations should set the rules. HANNITY: Does that mean and he has said this. (Fox News)
New data tech trade rules needed: MS Oct 15, 2009
There are a number of "barriers at the border" that potentially could be addressed through the World Trade Organization or bilateral forums, Cowhey said. Those include a conflict between globally coordinated standards for information communication technology and national standards some countries have pursued, he said. (India Times)
Stock futures dip; eyes on J&J, Intel earns Oct 13, 2009
On the macro side, the head of the World Trade Organization said on Tuesday a contraction in global trade appears to be bottoming out. Oil rose for the fourth straight session on Tuesday, edging above 73 a barrel on the back of rising optimism about the pace of global economic recovery and weakness in the dollar. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
G-20 lawsuits would make city test case Oct 11, 2009
Mass roundups of protesters have gone hand in hand with subsequent litigation alleging false arrests, violations of due process, unreasonable seizures and violations of the right to assemble since at least the 1999 gathering of the World Trade Organization in Seattle. Police made 600 arrests there, but most charges were later dropped. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Mexico Seeks WTO Arbitration in Protest Over U.S. Cattle-Labeling Rules Oct 10, 2009
Oct. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Mexico filed a request for arbitration with the World Trade Organization, challenging U.S. rules requiring meat be labeled by its country of origin. The rules, which require cattle born in Mexico and raised in the U.S. to be labeled as coming from Mexico, is affecting the bovine industry significantly, the nations Economy Ministry said today in a statement on its Web site. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Climate protectionismon the rise Oct 10, 2009
It has been rejected by developing countries at the World Trade Organization (WTO) since 1996 as a form of protectionism, which they say will unfairly curb developing countries' exports. They also argue that it is against the rules of the WTO.. (Asia Times Online)
Vietnam democracy activist jailed Oct 8, 2009
The Communist government allowed a brief period of enhanced openness in the run-up to Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization and hosting of the Apec summit in late 2006. Analysts say it has since clamped back down on people with opposing views. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
US mulls fine on Chinese pipes Oct 8, 2009
An angry Beijing lodged a complaint at the World Trade Organization and retaliated by launching a probe into possible unfair trade practices involving imports of US car products and chicken meat. Beijing charged that Washington's move violated WTO rules but Obama has denied that it amounted to protectionism. (India Times)
Celebrations testify stronger China: European expert Oct 7, 2009
On China's political influence, he said China has taken part in "a variety of multilateral for a" in addition to international organizations such as the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. The Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 also showed China's increasing significance, he observed. (Xinhuanet, China)
Press Release: Communiqué of the International Monetary and Financial Committee of the Board of Governors of the International Monetary Fund Oct 7, 2009
Pascal Lamy, Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO). Stephen Pursey, Director, Policy Integration/Statistics Department and Senior Advisor to the Director-General, International Labour Organization (ILO). (IMF News)
Third round of tanker fight needs to be the finale Oct 7, 2009
Members of Washington s congressional delegation objected to the Pentagon s decision not to consider the World Trade Organization s recent ruling that European Union loans to Airbus, Northrop s partner in the tanker bidding, amounted to illegal government subsidies ... The Pentagon acknowledged Boeing s complaint, saying it was aware of the World Trade Organization s ruling on European government subsidies to Northrop s partner. (Longview Daily News, WA)
China "dissatisfied" with EU's duty imposition on Chinese steel pipes Oct 6, 2009
China has reiterated repeatedly that the threat of material injury was strictly defined by the World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and was rarely cited as a reason for anti-dumping ruling practice as the WTO members were "highly prudent" in dealing with such cases, said an official with the MOC.. The Chinese authority has argued that the imposition of anti-dumping duties should be based on findings of material injury or threat, rather than accusation and speculation based on the WTO rules. (Xinhuanet, China)
China demands larger quota share of developing countries in IMF Oct 5, 2009
The one-day meeting was attended by representatives from 186 member countries and international financial institutions, the World Bank, the World Trade Organization and other organizations. The Chinese deputy governor criticized major international financial institution for failing to give a timely early warning report of the current global financial crisis, noting that the failure is closely related to deviation of the surveillance direction and its focus. (Xinhuanet, China)
