In the wake of what happened in Seattle, many
are already gnashing teeth and pulling hair over the World Trade Organization. But instead
of desperately trying to paper over differences and ignore crucial problems, it is time to
examine the WTO critically and consider U.S. options -- inside and outside the WTO.
Environmental issues figured prominently in last
week's street protests in Seattle. Some of them stem from legitimate concerns over the
World Trade Organization's attitude toward the environment. But the remedy advocated by
many of the protesters -- destroying the WTO -- is unjustified and could set back the cause
of improving respect… more
The Administration fully
supports the industry’s right to avail itself of the safeguards mechanism under US.
law for these and other steel products…Consistent with the Administration’s
determination to date to act expeditiously and vigorously to enforce U.S. trade laws, any
affirmative ITC recommendation will be acted on in a timely manner…" -Report… more
The deal for China to enter the WTO won't be worth much without
enforcement.
With considerable fanfare, the Clinton administration
last week struck an agreement with China that should clear the way for its membership in
the World Trade Organization (WTO). On paper, the deal has many positive features. But
… more
A chorus of critics has attacked the recent
decision by the U.S. Commerce Department to offset the impact of dumped imports of steel
from Japan, Brazil and Russia, imports sold at below their cost of production or below
their home market price. The critics argue that this unfairly priced steel should be
… more
As intensive talks continue in preparation for
the upcoming World Trade Organization summit in Seattle, environmental and labor
considerations have made headlines. The most difficult issue in the talks, however,
involves a seemingly arcane trade law aimed at stopping the practice of dumping -- selling
imports at less than their price in… more
Americans tend to judge
U.S. foreign policy from the perspective of fostering American values. The United States
militarily intervenes in Kosovo, Rwanda, Haiti and other spots around the globe to fight
oppression and restore order. Whether from the right or left, they define foreign-policy
objectives in terms of promoting democracy and human… more
For most Americans, Japan is seen as being at
the heart of the unfair trade problem. There is strong evidence that the Japanese
government and Japanese companies in the auto and steel industries -- to name but a few -
have not always traded fairly.
The fate of China’s effort to join the
World Trade Organization is unclear;matters involving internal deliberations in Beijing
usually are. There is always the possibility that China is waiting until the last minute
to wrap up WTO negotiations, hoping that the Clinton administration’s desire to build
a record of achievement for its… more
