USDA, USTR chiefs disappointed by Doha negotiations outcome

USDA, USTR chiefs disappointed by Doha negotiations outcome Two senior Bush administration officials expressed their disappointment in the outcome of Doha Round negotiations held this week in Potsdam, Germany.
   “Unfortunately, this week’s negotiations could not generate political consensus to meaningfully open markets to new trade — particularly in manufactured goods,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab in a joint statement.
   “The U.S. has worked tirelessly to build an international consensus to launch the round. We sustained it at critical junctures, and recently showed even more flexibility to achieve success,” the officials said. “Regrettably, some key members continue to be unwilling to show the same flexibility and not even minimal additional market access was put on the table.”
   Both Johanns and Schwab said the United States remain committed to the advance of the World Trade Organization and plan to work with WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy and other WTO members on laying out the next steps.