Brasília – Trade disputes between Brazil and the United States are picking up steam, judging by statements on the subject made by officials from the two countries. On Wednesday (10), Brazil’s Foreign Minister, Antonio Patriota, criticized the implementation of negotiation mechanisms which are not in keeping with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, and end up contributing to the Doha Round stalemate.
“Abiding by the rulings of the WTO dispute settlement body ensures that bilateral controversies, even major ones, are effectively resolved on a multilateral basis, on the strength of impartial legal reasoning,” said Patriota.
He spoke at the opening of the seminar “The Brics and the WTO Dispute Settlement System,” at the Brazilian foreign office (Itamaraty), in Brasília. The Brics bloc comprises five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
The minister spoke three weeks after his reaction to the US government, which accused Brazil of adopting protectionist measures in order to guarantee market for its products. Patriota sent a letter to the US Trade Representative, Ron Kirk, in which he considered the North American’s criticism unjustifiable and unacceptable. According to him, the topic should be dealt with in the scope of the WTO.
At the event, Patriota said that the measures adopted by Brazil are recognized by the North Americans themselves and are “within legality” according to the WTO. From 2007 to 2011, exports of North American products to Brazil doubled, according to official figures. In four years, exports climbed from US$ 18.7 billion to US$ 34 billion. Brazil climbed from 16th to 8th main market for North American products.
In his address, the foreign minister defended a return to the Doha Rounds, for liberation of global trade, released in 2001 in the scope of the WTO. Negotiations jammed four years ago.
“Brazilian engagement with multilateralism is certain. Brazil is still progressing with the Doha Rounds, hoping, however, for it to be possible to take place in an equalitarian manner, balanced and compatible with its negotiating mandate,” said Patriota, pointing out that the country does not consider the possibility of permanently suspending the Doha Rounds.
*Translated by Mark Ament
