World Trade Organization

Monsanto Abandons Worldwide GM Wheat Project

Monsanto has abandoned plans to introduce GM wheat on to the world market despite spending seven years and hundreds of millions of dollars developing the crop.

Why We Need An 'Arctic Bridge'

Global warming is doing more than just dissolving Arctic ice fields into chilly waters. The prospect of new navigational trade routes emerging as ice floes melt away is heating up discussions of international trade between Russia and Canada.

Brazil looks to a unified South America by Ivan Cannabrava

Brazil is at a turning point in various aspects, such as changes in domestic priorities and foreign policies. Japan needs to stay abreast of changes and be aware of the opportunities in Brazil.

Take That, U.S. Farmers!

When a World Trade Organization court ruled on Apr. 26 that subsidies paid to American cotton farmers flout international trade rules, it did far more than just administer a wrist slap to the Bush Administration. The U.S. -- and Europe and Japan as well -- put all of their chips on the WTO backing their position. But they were beaten big time by the world's struggling nations instead.

EU Offers To Eliminate Its Farm Export Subsidies At World Trade Talks, But Only If U.S., Canada, Japan Follow

Aiming to boost world trade talks and get poorer countries on side, the European Union's top trade negotiators proposed Monday that rich nations, including the United States, Japan and Canada, drop all forms of subsidies on farm export products. EU Trade Commissioner Pascal Lamy said the EU was ready "go the extra mile" to get a midterm deal by July at the World Trade Organization.

France Says EU Subsidy Offer Exceeds Commission Mandate

French Agriculture Minister Herve Gaymard said Monday that an offer by the European Union to eliminate EU agricultural export subsidies exceeded the negotiating mandate of the EU executive commission.

The Heavy Thud Of American Cotton

Uncle Sam got slapped on the side of the head last month when a World Trade Organization (WTO) panel ruled that multibillion-dollar subsidies by the US to domestic cotton producers violated international trade rules. "This is big stuff," says Clyde Prestowitz, president of the Economic Strategy Institute in Washington.

Talking 'Bout A Revolution

A RULING by a World Trade Organization panel last week might spell the beginning of the end for the enormous subsidies rich countries pay their farmers. That would have profound consequences around the world for agriculture, the environment, food security and the political stability of some countries.

The Grille Looks Familiar

When the RABO S-RV hit China's roads in 2003, Honda suffered whiplash. The injury was understandable: The sport-utility built by Shuanghuan Auto Co. had sheet metal that closely mimicked Honda's CR-V, and a name that was downright Honda-esque. "If you look at the outward design, it is clear it is a copy of our CR-V," Honda spokesman David Iida told Automotive News

EU, Mercosur leaders face hard choices to clinch trade deal

European and Latin American leaders face some tough decisions if they want to agree a free-trade accord by October, officials said Friday after the latest round of talks. The Mercosur bloc -- including core members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay as well as associate members Bolivia and Chile -- has been negotiating the accord with the European Union for four years.