Postdam, Germany - Statement from USTR Ambassador Susan C. Schwab and USDA Secretary Mike Johanns on Doha Round:

The United States is deeply disappointed with the outcome of this week’s negotiations. 

For the past six years we have pursued an agreement in the Doha Round that will spur economic growth and development - especially in the world’s poorest countries - by creating new trade flows and disciplining subsidies.  To meet the Doha Round’s promise, developed and advanced developing economies need to open their domestic markets for agricultural goods, industrial products, and services. 

We came this week with the commitment to make significant progress towards a successful Round. Unfortunately, this week’s negotiations could not generate political consensus to meaningfully open markets to new trade - particularly in manufactured goods.

The U.S. has worked tirelessly to build an international consensus to launch the Round, we sustained it at critical junctures, and recently showed even more flexibility to achieve success.  Regrettably, some key Members continue to be unwilling to show the same flexibility and not even minimal additional market access was put on the table.

Consistent with Congress’ grant of Trade Promotion Authority to this Administration, we have consistently pushed for economically strong trade agreements for the United States - and we will continue to do so. The United States remains deeply committed to providing leadership to help advance the World Trade Organization and the rules-based multilateral trading system from which we benefit greatly. We look forward to speaking with Director - General Pascal Lamy and other WTO members about next steps.