US Double Standard in Trade - Anderton

US Double Standard in Trade - Anderton

The US Government's stance of encouraging free trade in foreign
markets while putting in place protectionist measures at home,
is hypocritical and opens the way for similar moves in New Zealand
says Deputy Prime Minister Jim Anderton.

Mr Anderton was responding to news that the US Government had
approved a NZ$194 million aid package for sheep farmers. He
said the aim of protectionist measures in New Zealand should
be to protect jobs.

Meanwhile Labour ‘s Trade Negotiations Minister Jim Sutton said
he would consult with his Australian counterpart before acting
in response to the American farm aid package.

The American package which intends to placate farmers concerned
about competition in lamb markets follows moves by the US government
last year to impose tariffs on Australasian lamb imports.

The World Trading Organisation is currently considering whether
these tariffs are legal.

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