EU trade chief lashes out at US 'protectionism'

(BRUSSELS) - The United States on Thursday dismissed criticism from EU trade commissioner, Karel De Gucht, who accused Washington of having a "protectionist" agenda that was holding up a global free-trade deal.

"One of the problems is that we don't know exactly what the United States wants," De Gucht said.

"They don't want to go forward for now, that much is clear," he said of the decade-old Doha round in World Trade Organization negotiations, in an interview with Belgian business daily De Tijd.

"The idea that you can make progress without making concessions is false," he added of negotiations with developing countries.

"I have the impression that the decision-making process has ground to a halt."

De Gucht said that US Congressional elections in November were partly to blame, but took direct aim at US President Barack Obama over a commitment to double US exports over five years.

"I don't see how anyone can double exports if there's no movement towards free trade," he said.

"Protectionism will not lead to a doubling of exports."

But a statement from the office of US Trade Representative's Office later Thursday dismissed the attack.

"There is no mystery to the US Doha negotiating position, which we have repeatedly articulated, both in broad strokes and during negotiations in product-specific detail," said a statement from spokeswoman Carol Guthrie.

The level of market access currently on offer -- in key areas such as agriculture, industrial goods and services -- fell short, the statement added.

"It is clear what the United States is being asked to give.

"However, it is necessary for these countries to engage in meaningful substantive bilateral negotiations aimed at achieving similar clarity on their contributions, and closing gaps."

The US had led the way in trying to break the logjam in the talks, the statement added.