Moran Statement on Suspension of WTO Doha Round of Trade Negotiations

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jerry Moran today offered a statement on the suspension of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Doha Round of Trade Negotiations.

"After nearly five years of negotiations, the Doha round has been indefinitely suspended. This is bad news and a big setback for the United States and the rest of the world. Despite U.S. trade negotiators placing a generous offer on the table, there is significant effort by the rest of the world to blame the U.S. for the failure to reach an agreement on this trade round. I am proud of our trade negotiators for not giving into the pressure to further compromise and accept anything less than meaningful and sufficient market access for America's farmers and ranchers. The rest of the world bears responsibility for its unwillingness to meet the generous offer of the U.S.

"As Ambassador Schwab referenced, it is likely that the decision today will lead to more cases brought before the WTO dispute settlement body. Given our trading partners reluctance to negotiate, I believe the U.S. should resort to addressing market access problems through the dispute resolution process. This is especially applicable to the European Union, who continues to limit U.S. access to its market through non-tariff barriers.

"I am disappointed an agreement was not reached, but have long said no deal is better than a bad deal. Unfortunately, until an agreement is reached, American farmers and ranchers will not see improved access to world markets.

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