Fed: Howard says there's no US trade deal without agriculture

AAP General News (Australia)
02-02-2004
Fed: Howard says there's no US trade deal without agriculture

Prime Minister JOHN HOWARD has warned the United States there will be no free trade
agreement without agriculture.

Mr HOWARD says that without free access for Australian farmers to American markets
the deal doesn't stack up.

Negotiations in the US dragged on into their seventh consecutive day with no sign of
any major breakthrough.

The US is refusing to buckle to Australian demands for major cuts in protection of
American farm markets, while Australia is resisting any proposals to change the Pharmaceutical
Benefits Scheme.

It's estimated the deal would boost the domestic economy by $4 billion a year, but
only if there are large cuts to American farm protection.

Mr HOWARD says it's clear that agriculture has to be central to any deal Australia agrees on.

Trade Minister MARK VAILE has committed himself to continuing the talks as long as
there is progress.

AAP RTV sw/sb/swe/wjf

KEYWORD: TRADE US (CANBERRA)

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