Last week, nearly two dozen representatives of U.S. industry from various sectors visited the World Trade Organization (WTO) to press for more progress on the Doha Round of negotiations. The representatives, who are part of the American Business Coalition for Doha, cover diverse industry sectors, including agriculture, automobiles, steel, tobacco, retailers, equipment, manufacturers, services and general trade associations.

The group views a WTO deal as an important step in addressing global economic uncertainty. Insisting that agriculture, goods, and services are "inextricably linked," the coalition said it would not support a "Doha-lite" that does not address all industry sectors. The Doha round of negotiations began in 2001 but has repeatedly stalled. The WTO is renewing its efforts to reach an agreement, however, and hopes to have a deal passed this year. A key factor in U.S. industry support for a deal will be the draft schedules for tariff reductions.