U.S. finds obstacles to fair trade

WASHINGTON — The Bush administration Monday accused 63 trading partners, including China and the European Union, of erecting unfair barriers to American exports.

U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab released the new report, which the administration is required to prepare to inform Congress of its priorities in trying to tear down trade barriers.

“A significant amount of work remains to knock down trade barriers and ensure that American exporters have new economic opportunities across the globe,” Schwab said. “The report demonstrates that the administration continues to use all enforcement tools at its disposal to ensure fair treatment in the global marketplace for U.S. workers and consumers.”

However, critics contend the administration has failed to forcefully pursue unfair trade barriers and they say this inaction has contributed to America’s soaring trade deficits, which last year hit an all-time high of $765.3 billion, the fifth consecutive record. The deficit with China totaled $232.5 billion, the highest ever recorded with a single country.

In discussing China, the administration said that unless the country did more to crack down on the theft of U.S. copyrighted products such as movies, music and software, the administration would consider filing a case against China before the World Trade Organization.

In addition to China, the report spent time discussing the need for the European Union to eliminate subsidies to aircraft maker Airbus.