Brazil s WTO Issues
As the world’s 9th largest economy, $451 billion #, and still a developing country, Brazil has decided to be the champion of developing nations. Brazil is becoming increasing involved in debating with the United Stated, the European Union, and Japan for fairer opportunities for poor countries of the world. Brazil is the head of the coalition of poor countries called the G20#. ... Brazil has dealt with global trade issues before. Brazil had banned GM products for selling or planting, but recently they have changed their position#. This is a huge global issue because Brazil exports a lot of agricultural products. Brazil is the largest coffee bean, orange juice, and is about to surpass the United States in Soybean production#. Another trade issue is when Brazil and the United States battled over Intellectual Property rights. To fight AIDS, Brazil had generic medicines be made in Brazil at a cheaper cost#. The United States claimed that Brazil was doing this just for the creation of jobs, not for saving lives. Brazil counter-attacked against the US patent laws that say that small businesses and universities have to “manufacture substantially” their invention in the US in order to gain patent protection. Brazil clamed that this was discriminatory towards foreign patent holders and therefore violated TRIPS#. Brazil is a global trade power now that demands that it and countries like it, be treated fairly in the global marketplace. There are three major issues that Brazil would like to deal with, intellectual property: pharmaceuticals, environmental: GM seeds and compensation for rainforest protection, and farming: Having countries lower their trade barriers.