Asia Pacific | U.S.-Aussie Ag Trade Issues U.S. Trade Representative Bob Zoel...
Asia Pacific
U.S.-Aussie Ag Trade Issues
U.S. Trade Representative Bob Zoellick and Australian Trade Minister Mark Vaile gave mixed impressions on prospects for a U.S.-Australian free trade agreement during Vaile's trip to Washington this week, and Vaile said he is not interested in talking with the Europeans about their "non-trade concerns" in the world trade round until they have said how much they plan to cut farm subsidies.
China's farm trade unfazed by U.S. port lockout
SHANGHAI, Oct 8 (Reuters) - Port shutdowns on the U.S. West Coast are unlikely to hamper China's supply of farm produce from the United States ranging from grains to poultry, industry officials and traders said on Tuesday.
South Korea confirms fresh swine fever outbreak
SEOUL, Oct 8 (Reuters) - South Korea confirmed on Tuesday a fresh outbreak of swine fever, but the disease, which only affects pigs, will have limited impact as pork exports had already been suspended.
Nippon Keidanren to adopt stricter corporate behavior rules
TOKYO, Oct. 8 Kyodo - The Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) decided Tuesday at a panel meeting to adopt stricter rules on corporate behavior in the wake of recent corporate scandals such as beef-labeling frauds, federation officials said.
Americas
U.S. port lockout hikes Mexico work
ENSENADA, Baja California - This sleepy tourist resort has awakened with a jolt. Used to surviving mainly on fishermen and cruise ships, it is suddenly doing its best to serve cargo ships marooned off.
Canada feels pinch of U.S. port dispute
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct 7 (Reuters) - Canada's largest port felt the effects of the U.S. west coast port shutdown on Monday as ships that normally visit both countries before returning to Asia sat idle waiting for the labor dispute to be resolved.
Fined for Illegal Imports
Man fined $3,000 for unlawfully importing lamb sausages from Fiji into Canada.
U.S. and Mexican Research Agencies Formalize Agricultural Research And Education Partnership
WASHINGTON, Oct. 3, 2002–U.S. and Mexican scientists have signed a memoranda of understanding (MOU) to formalize their partnership in solving agricultural problems through research and education.
United States and Mexican Agriculture Trade Officials Launch Regular Forum to Resolve Trade Differences
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2, 2002 – Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman and U.S. Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick announced today that officials from the United States and Mexico held the first meeting of a bilateral forum recently created to consult on agricultural trade disputes and areas of concern.
USA
Farm Products Languish on Docks
A weeklong shutdown of the West Coast's major ports has left stacks of market-bound farm produce to rot on the docks and in the holds of ships that can't reach shore.
Protesters Fail to Halt Cow Auction
Despite protests and objections by an international human rights panel, the government auctioned off a herd of cattle formerly owned by two Western Shoshone sisters who owe nearly $3 million in grazing fees.
West Coast port talks break off indefinitely
Sound bite: "It is time to settle this contract dispute. This is a $1 billion offer. Let's open the ports tomorrow. It's time to put the nation's interests ahead of ours."
-- Pacific Maritime Association President Joseph Miniace in a letter to James Spinosa, longshoremen union president
FSIS issues official rule on E. coli O157:H7 policies in raw beef
A notice detailing changes to the Food Safety and Inspection Service's E. coli O157:H7 policy is now available in the Federal Register (Oct. 7). FSIS is requesting comments about the notice, which are due Dec. 6.
Strike End In Sight?
President Bush begins intervention to end West Coast dock workers strike.
Bush May Force Reopening of Ports
A court order could come as early as today, but the union threatens to attempt a "slow-up."