In light of Seattle, the U.S. appears to be positioned as one of the few global champions of free trade. In the States, the U.S. is often depicted as the creator and champion of free trade. It is certainly true that it places significant pressure on its allies and others to follow this ideological lead. But when other countries sweat through the adjustments and pains associated with the breaking down of trade barriers, it is more than galling to see the U.S. government yield once again to pressure group interests and renege on its own commitment.
Sugar produced in the U.S. is incontestably uncompetitive by world standards.
In fact, in the face of domestic pressure from sugar producers, the U.S. imposed quotas. Next time you bite into a donut, think about this. And then there's lamb. Last July, President Clinton imposed stiff tariffs on the import of Australian and New Zealand lamb, citing the damage these imports were doing to the American lamb industry. In fact, America produces very little lamb of its own, so the result is that American consumers miss out on good quality, well-priced meat.