Number: RS21712
Title: The African Cotton Initiative and WTO Agriculture Negotiations
Authors: Charles E. Hanrahan, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: In World Trade Organization (WTO) negotiations on agriculture, a group of African countries have proposed that all subsidies for cotton be eliminated by the end of four years. The proposal also advocates compensating African cotton producing countries for revenues estimated to be lost due to cotton subsidies. The United States agrees that cotton subsidies distort trade, but maintains that the issue should be negotiated in a comprehensive manner.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated January 16, 2004