World Trade Organization

The Gap Minds Itself

"WHEN I DECIDED TO JOIN GAP INC. IN the fall of 2002," writes Paul Presser, president and CEO of the clothing giant behind the Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic brands, "one of the first things my teenage daughter asked was, 'Doesn't Gap use sweatshops?'"

Food-Importing Nations Call For Right To Protect Farm Products

An alliance of food-importing countries, including South Korea, issued a joint statement Monday calling for the right to protect key farm products amid expectations of a framework agreement on agricultural sector liberalization at the end of the month.

Learning To Use WTO Rules For Protection

Chinese companies have made important progress in learning about how to play by WTO rules in anti-dumping cases. On June 30, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) announced that it will continue imposing anti-dumping taxes on imported newsprint from Canada, South Korea and the United States, for another five years.

Farm-subsidy Squabble Could Grow

Brazil, the world's largest coffee and sugar exporter, may decide to escalate its fight over U.S. and European barriers at the World Trade Organization as part of its continuing effort to gain a bigger share of global markets, Agriculture Minister Roberto Rodrigues said Thursday.

Food Body Puts Off Discussion On Globalised Parmesan

The world's top food regulatory body has put off a discussion on integrating a recipe for Parmesan cheese into global food standards following strong objections from Italy and the EU, a spokesman said Thursday.

Trade-Marks Act Hits 50th Anniversary

1954 will be remembered for many things. Play-Doh, Elvis' first record, Detroit winning the Stanley Cup. However, on July 1, another event occurred with much less fanfare. While Canadian families watched parades and ate picnic lunches to celebrate Canada's 87th birthday, the Trade-marks Act (TMA) quietly came into force.

Brazil, Emboldened by Cotton Case, May Escalate WTO Farm Fight

Brazil, the largest coffee and sugar exporter, may escalate a fight over U.S. and European barriers at the World Trade Organization to gain a bigger share of global markets, Agriculture Minister Roberto Rodrigues said.

U.S. Maintains Competitive Edge Over Canada And Mexico As The NAFTA Countries Confront Asia

The United States is in the best position of the three NAFTA nations to weather the challenges posed by lower cost overseas producers, according to the latest NAFTA Quarterly, released today by Scotia Economics.

China Committed To Closing Trade Gap With US

US Commerce Secretary Don Evans said Thursday he had won a pledge from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to make efforts to lower China's massive 124 billion dollar trade surplus with the United States. "Premier Wen said that he is committed to closing the trade gap," Evans told journalists as he wound up a six-day trip to China.

Balancing Pros And Cons Of Trade Deal - The Americas - A Worldwide Special Report

TRADE policy is not usually thought of as a sexy headline grabber but the free trade agreement with the US made the front pages repeatedly. Trade Minister Mark Vaile described it as "the commercial equivalent of the ANZUS treaty", while US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick said it was "a unique agreement with one of America's greatest allies and friends".