The Europeans reply they are willing to talk about export subsidies but not eliminate them. Besides, they say, the U.S. has subsidies for farmers in the form of food aid and other programs. The fact the U.S. has approved a multibillion-dollar disaster relief measure for farmers this year only muddies the waters more. It is against this kind of backdrop that the WTO ministerial meeting is taking place. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, the top U.S. trade official, continues to express confidence that differences will be worked out and a new round of global trade talks started as part of the legacy of the Clinton administration.
Trade ministers become masters at saying one thing but meaning another.
We're willing to talk, but not about some things. Some sort of compromise is likely. In the world of trade, whether it contains the word multifunctionality will be a big thing.