New WTO drafts will show little progress toward a global trade pact

Trade officials expect no changes in proposed tariff cuts of 66 percent to 73 percent for the EU's most protected farm products, or a maximum manufacturing tariff of 19 percent to 23 percent for advanced developing countries. While Europe was largely pleased with the compromise, many developing countries have steadfastly refused to accept the ranges.
«I don't think anybody knows for sure what the papers will contain, but we're still in a deadlock,» said Ambassador Oscar Carvallo of Venezuela. «If there are no changes, then we are in deep trouble. Then we'd basically be in the same situation as July, when the majority of members found these numbers unacceptable."