U.S. Accuses 6 Nations of Violating Trade Pact

The Clinton administration said it was planning to file World Trade Organization cases against Brazil and five other nations, accusing the countries of unfair trade practices that are hurting American businesses. Brazil was targeted for two alleged violations, one involving textile products and the other one covering the administration’s belief that the country needs to increase patent protection for U.S. products. The administration said the five other nations targeted in the annual trade review were Romania, for discriminatory pricing on clothing, poultry and distilled spirits; India, for rules regarding autos; the Philippines, for local content requirements on autos and motorcycles; Argentina, for patent protections; and Denmark, for the enforcement of its patent and copyright laws. All the nations now face the prospects of having to defend their trade practices in cases brought before the Geneva-based WTO, although it is possible that the disputes could be settled before the appointment of hearing panels. The announcements were included in three reports the administration submits annually to Congress detailing its trade negotiating priorities for the coming year.