Brazil may opt not to retaliate the United States in case that country would accept the decision taken by the World Trade Organization (WTO) on June 2, that favored Brazil in its claim against the US policy of subsidizing cotton farmers.

That possibility was mentioned on Wednesday (18) by the coordinator of disputes of the Ministry of External Relations (MRE), Luciano Mazza de Andrade, and endorsed by specialists. They all participated of a public hearing held at the Committee on Agriculture and Land Reform (CRA), which discussed the actions taken by the Brazilian government regarding the WTO decision.

During his speech, Luciano Mazza explained that the amount to be paid by the US to compensate Brazilian losses will be stipulated on June 20, and, in the same date, the ministry will decide how to act in a possible retaliation. However, as emphasized by the representative of Itamaraty, the most important thing will be the US decision to keep its commitment related to the international cotton market and to adapt its program of subsidies to the rules of the WTO.

- The ultimate goal is to have these decisions followed. If we can reach that without having to retaliate, I think it would be a quicker and more satisfactory result – said Luciano Mazza.

This opinion is shared by the director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Helinton José Rocha. He thinks that, at this moment, the US must recognize its mistakes and change its attitude toward subsidies to cotton production.

- If a greater victory can be achieved, let’s hope it will benefit society and cotton farmers – said Hellinton.

Benefits

Granting direct benefits to the industry of cotton is the main goal of the president of the Brazillian Association of Cotton Producers (Abrapa). He thinks that, after the difficult victory at the WTO, Brazil cannot simply refuse to take action. After making an assessment of the difficulties faced by cotton farmers in Brazil, Haroldo Cunha defended an invigoration of that industry.

- The industry must survive. We must think about ways to effectively assume a greater role in the market, bringing more money and jobs to the country – highlighted Haroldo Cunha.

The consultant of Abrapa, Hélio Toni, also defended this invigoration. In his opinion, there is another issue to be deal with – the economic growth of developing countries. Even though he opposes the idea of retaliation, he believes that the country can negotiate its position after the victory.

- If there is not a good negotiation that might compensate Brazil for not retaliating, the country will lose respect, because, after all it has won, it cannot simply let it go – said Hélio Tolini.