Asia Pacific | WTO says Japan's farm subsidies distort tradeGENEVA, Nov 8 (Re...

Asia Pacific

 

WTO says Japan's farm subsidies distort trade
GENEVA, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Japan's extensive subsidies for its farmers and high tariffs on agricultural imports distort trade and push up food prices in that country's shops, a World Trade Organisation (WTO) report said on Friday.

 

WTO says Japan's recovery hinges on disposal of bad loans

GENEVA, Nov. 8 Kyodo - A sustained recovery in the Japanese economy hinges on structural reforms, especially a cleanup of Japan's fragile banking system, the World Trade Organization (WTO) said in a trade report Friday.

 

Japan: Gov't to Toughen Food Rules, Stress Public Health Protection

Japan's health watchdog will seek to tighten food safety rules and prioritize protecting public health, officials said Friday

 

Americas

 

USA/VENEZUELA: US accuses Venezuela of unfairly blocking imports
The United States has accused Venezuela of blocking imports of US agriculture goods, including corn, dairy products and meats, unfairly.

 

Brazil- Agribusiness sector boosts exports
In October 2002, the agribusiness sector was responsible for 43,5% of the total Brazilian exports, which were of US$6.474bil, generating a surplus of US$2.448bil in the period.

 

Growth in Brazil meat exports concerns US industry
CHICAGO, Nov 7 (Reuters) - A swift increase in Brazilian meat exports over the past few years has the United States meat industry concerned about losing overseas business to its South American neighbor.

 

Peso weakens to five-week low on budget concerns
The peso fell to its weakest level in five weeks after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates more than expected and on concern the Mexican Congress will limit the government's ability to cut spending.

 

USA

Secretary Praises Ruling on Beef Checkoff
While the USDA applauds the ruling that the beef checkoff system is constitutional it decries the ruling over pork checkoff.