US takes control at trade talks by rebuffing EU’s farm goods offer

THE United States yesterday rebuffed a move by the European Union to regain the initiative in a battle over global trade talks, saying an improved EU farm goods offer was still too small.

Susan Schwab, who is expected to be confirmed as US Trade Representative this week, said in a speech to trade ministers in Paris that World Trade Organisation (WTO) countries had to be bold with their proposals for securing a new trade round.