OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
Executive Office of the President
Washington, D.C.
October 28, 2005

Statement from USTR Spokeswoman Christin Baker

"From our early analysis, we are disappointed with the new EU proposal.
While in some ways it is a step in the right direction and we
acknowledge the EC's efforts, much more needs to be done. First, the
proposed tariff reductions are lower than proposals from the G-20
developing countries and far lower than the U.S. proposal. As
concerning, the large number of exceptions for so-called sensitive
products apparently has not changed from earlier EU proposals, and
another element - the 'pivot' - actually walks back from their last
proposal. Both of these elements would allow substantial loopholes to
the relatively lower tariff cuts the EU has offered. If the final Doha
agreement on agriculture were to go no further than this, other areas
would also be weak and the Doha Round would not approach its potential
for promoting development, opportunity and global economic growth."


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