Topic: World Trade Organization

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3 ways the US can start an economic 'reset' with Russia

After Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled his trip to Camp David for the G8 Summit this weekend, tensions between Russia and the US are running high. The United States must design a new relationship with this often difficult leader and his country. Washington needs a new reset that includes these three key components:
In Pictures: Before Occupy Wall Street: American protests
How can Congress cut $2.4 trillion? Here are three places to start.

Finding $2.4 trillion in spending cuts is not easy, but Congress's search is beginning to show some signs of promise. In particular, three programs long protected by big, bipartisan majorities in the past now appear vulnerable.
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Strengthen the euro and reform the European Commission

At a time of European debt crisis, when some see a common currency as a straightjacket, Europe must follow through and strengthen the euro. Europe must also move on political reform. One place to start: Elect the president of the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.
3 ways the US can start an economic 'reset' with Russia

After Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled his trip to Camp David for the G8 Summit this weekend, tensions between Russia and the US are running high. The United States must design a new relationship with this often difficult leader and his country. Washington needs a new reset that includes these three key components:
US imposes tariff on Chinese solar panels, a victory for US manufacturers

US manufacturers had sought the ruling by the Commerce Department that Chinese firms were dumping solar panels, but the dispute is likely to aggravate US-China relations.
Russia should be rewarded with NATO membership

Russia should be on the agenda for NATO summit in Chicago this weekend. In spite of recent tensions, the historically fractured relationship between Russia and NATO is the most ripe for transformation. Obstacles like missile defense and Eastern Europe can be resolved.
Putin cancels US summit visit, meeting with Obama

The White House announced Wednesday that Putin is unable to join the other leaders of the Group of Eight industrial nations meeting outside Washington on May 18-19.
The New Economy
As Chinese wages rise, US manufacturers head back home

By 2015, Chinese wages will be high enough that it will be just as cheap to manufacture goods for the US market in America. Some US manufacturers aren't waiting.
Cover Story
Putin inauguration: World view of a Russian feeling dissed

As the second presidential inauguration of Vladimir Putin approaches, a former correspondent who once worked for him looks at the world view of the Russian iron man. His theory: The president is feeling dissed by the West and believes it conspires to "destroy" Russia.
May Day: Tear gas in Oakland, broken windows in Seattle (+video)

Most of the May Day protests were peaceful, but violence reared its head in some cities. The Occupy Wall Street movement was at the forefront of many rallies.
Argentina's move to nationalize oil firm YPF highlights Spain's decline

Spain used to be one of the most powerful economic forces in Latin America, but now it's struggling to punish Argentina for nationalizing a Spanish-owned oil producer.
Why French far-right candidate Marine Le Pen is attracting youth

Marine Le Pen polls third across the entire electorate, but second among 18- to 22-year-olds, largely because they see her tough stance on immigration as the answer to their employment struggles.
Obama must reset relations with Russia along economic lines

When Vladimir Putin arrives in Camp David for the G8 summit in May, President Obama must be ready to lay out the framework for a new reset. With Russian membership in the WTO, the US and Europe could create incentives for greater rule of law in the economy and elsewhere in Russia.
Russia to Romney: How could we be your No. 1 enemy?

Mitt Romney's comment has astounded Russians, who acknowledge mixed relations with the US but point to Russia's integration with the international community as proof that they are not foe No. 1.
China subsidized solar panels, US finds. Are tariffs the right response?

A Commerce Department investigation found that Chinese government-subsidized solar panels were dumped in the US market, harming US manufacturers.
Global News Blog
US, EU, and Japan challenge China’s rare earth export restrictions

In a tripartite challenge against China's export restrictions on rare earth materials, the US, European Union, and Japan filed a complaint with the World Trade Organization. 
A cold-war chill? US-Russia relations falter over Libya and Syria.

Stormy days lie ahead for US-Russia relations, many say. Progress on issues like missile defense and NATO-Russia relations could suffer serious setbacks if the Syria and Iran crises deteriorate further.
Russian elections: Putin 4.0 at a crossroads

After Russian elections on Sunday, expect what amounts to a fourth term for Putin. But Putin 4.0 faces a tough choice. His KGB officer instincts call for tightening the grip. But Russia's future – and thousands of protesters – demand greater freedom and reforms.
WTO chief Pascal Lamy: Competitiveness must drive European growth

Europe is struggling to find its place in the new global economy because of 'domestic' issues, not external factors (like a rising China or trade disadvantages). On the contrary, the external climate favors European growth – if Europe can improve competitiveness and find its niche.
WTO chief Pascal Lamy: World must change the way it measures trade flows

It is economic nonsense to continue to calculate bilateral trade balances – like those between the US and China – the way we do today. What we need to monitor is the effective added value in each country, not the overall value of goods and services imported and exported.
Global News Blog
Turkey angered by French bill to criminalize 'Armenian genocide denial'

The French parliament is expected to pass a bill Thursday dealing with the 1915 killing of Armenians in present-day Turkey.  Any denial could result in a one-year jail term and a $58,000 fine. Turkey is furious.
Made in China: US can't afford high cost of low-priced Christmas gifts

US retailers and economists hail the Christmas shopping season, but consumers' binging on holiday gifts will produce more red ink than growth and jobs. Their purchases are nearly all imports – most from China. For real recovery, the US must regain its manufacturing market share.
How WTO membership made China the workshop of the world

China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO) a decade ago primed it for high-speed growth. Other countries have seen benefits as well – but say China has also become adept at getting around the rules.
Robert Reich
Three factors that are polarizing the nation

As they have in the past, the nation's prolonged economic problems will realign the major parties, create new coalitions, and yield new solutions
New York braces as Occupy Wall Street protesters target stock exchange

New York police are out in force Thursday in the vicinity of the New York Stock Exchange, as Occupy Wall Street protesters vow to shut it down. Protest is slated to spread to other sites later in the day.
Economy's mojo and Washington's no-go

Economic indicators are up slightly. Do consumers and investors perceive an end to the great political uncertainty in Washington (and Europe)?
Cities fret over democracy's costs as 'Occupy Wall Street' stretches on

Cities see costs mount as they supply security and other services at Occupy Wall Street demonstrations. What are cities' First Amendment obligations to the protesters?