WTO rules against Washington over cotton subsidies

[dArKeR]

NY TIMES NEWS SERVICE , SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
In a landmark decision, the WTO ruled against American cotton subsidies in a case brought by Brazil, officials from the two countries said on Friday.

The decision could eventually lead the US to reduce subsidies for its entire farm sector and encourage other countries to challenge such aid in wealthy nations, analysts said.

The WTO report, which was not made public, upheld a preliminary ruling in April that supported Brazil's claim that the more than US$3 billion in subsidies the US pays its cotton farmers distorts global prices and violates international trade rules.

"We are very satisfied with the panel's decision," Roberto Aze-vedo, who heads the trade disputes department at Brazil's foreign ministry, said in a phone interview from Brasilia.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/worldbiz/archives/2004/06/21/2003175977

Wow, these guys are really brave! Wonder how the Bush Crime Family will assassinate them?

[baby_bear]

1. How does this square w/ House legislation?

In the Seattle P-I this morning, it says that the House passed, 251-178, HR 4520 that, among other things, would "cut tax rates for U.S. manufacturers in order to offset the loss of export subsidies that the World Trade Organization has ruled illegal."

I just don't get it. Aren't surch tax cuts the same as subsidies? Are they not still in violation of WTO rules?

I'm not big WTO fan, but if the U.S. voted/contines to vote to be a member, seems to me we should play by the rules.

Sounds like same old Republican cheating to me. They want it all, giving nothing. Gives the lie to first world nations (I almost typed "corporations") being the primary beneficiaries of "free trade." (gag)

s_m

[shanti]

2. so grow hemp

n/t