AUSTRALIA

Protest Filed Over U.S. Wheat Subsidies: The Australian government has begun proceedings to file a formal protest with the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade against increased wheat subsidies by the United States. The protest will be the first ever protest filed by Australia with GATT, said officials in the office of acting Trade Minister Jeal Blewett. The government said it will also urge President Bush to honor his past promise to consider how U.S. actions affect non-subsidized wheat exporters, such as Australia. Bush on Thursday announced a boost to the Export Enhancement Program to sell 30 million tons of wheat to 28 countries. The GATT council is scheduled to meet later this month. Blewett said the government would also protest European Community subsidies. Trade officials said Australia stands to lose several hundred million dollars in exports, but no specific figure has been finalized.