International Economic Law and Policy Blog (Page 440)

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From textiles to peanuts

On Friday, the USTR filed another WTO case against China concerning China's "Famous Brands" programs. According to the Consultation Request, the Chinese programs allegedly violate the SCM Agreement, the Ag Agreement, and the NT obligation under GATT Art. III. In the press release, USTR Susan Schwab

A "Progressive, Pro-Trade Agenda"

That's how Ron Kirk described the trade policy he would pursue at the news conference where his appointment was just announced. ADDED: From the press conference that followed (my rough transcription): Q: How do we keep jobs from going overseas? Obama: Rebuild our infrastructure; get financial system working

A Subsidy War?

Former AB Member Jim Bacchus looks at the auto bailout and notes: The U.S. is not the only country contemplating auto and other subsidies as a way of confronting the global recession. The Europeans are drafting an auto subsidies plan now. Canada and China are considering assisting their automakers.

The Unenviable Position of Rules Chair

A bracketed note in the latest Rules negotiating texts: [ZEROING: Delegations remain profoundly divided on this issue. Positions range from insistence on a total prohibition of zeroing irrespective of the comparison methodology used and in respect of all proceedings to a demand that zeroing be specifically authorized in all contexts.

Ron Kirk: Protectionist or Free Trader?

The debate begins. From the WSJ: By naming Mr. Kirk, Mr. Obama nodded to the free-trade wing of the Democratic Party, which is small but has important ties to business. As Dallas's first African-American mayor, between 1995 and 2001, Mr. Kirk promoted Dallas on trips overseas

Ron Kirk Is (Probably) U.S. Trade Rep.

The Washington Post reports: President-elect Barack Obama will nominate former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk to be U.S. trade representative, a source familiar with decision said on Thursday. Obama is expected to make the announcement on Friday in Chicago, the source said. So what are Kirk's views

Vilsack is Secretary of Agriculture

As AFP puts it: [Obama] nominated former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack as his secretary of agriculture, putting the fervent advocate of corn-based ethanol in charge of the nation's much-criticized 300-billion-dollar farm spending. I can think of a few U.S. trading partners who will

Becerra is Out

Politico reports: Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Calif.) has declined to take the position of U.S. Trade Representative, his spokeswoman, Fabiola Rodriguez-Ciampoli, confirms ...

Another Candidate for U.S. Trade Rep.?

From Doug Palmer at Reuters: NBC's local affiliate in the Dallas area reported on Sunday it had been told by an "extremely high level source" that [former Dallas Mayor Ron] Kirk was one of two finalists for two different administration jobs: U.S. trade representative and

The AB Report on China-Auto Parts

This is a supplemental posting to Henry’s earlier posting on China-Auto Parts. FACTS Under a special regime (such as Decree 125), China imposed 25% duty on those imported auto parts, which meet certain criteria, as if they were “complete vehicles,” subject to the complicated post-importation verification and