26 March 2002
Summary
The United States is backing Uganda's attempts to reduce Chinese trade tariffs. Kampala is receiving U.S. funding through a program aimed at making Uganda a competitive exporter of agricultural products. However, the funding program is also a clever U.S. tactic to tear down Chinese trade barriers without fighting Beijing directly.
Analysis
For the last two years, Washington has been funding a Ugandan initiative to tap new export markets. The measures are just now beginning to pay off. Earlier this year, Uganda shipped its first consignment of coffee beans to China.
By helping Uganda break into China's market, Washington achieves several important goals. It demonstrates good faith and a commitment to underdeveloped nations by advancing Uganda's export competitiveness. More importantly, it advances U.S. efforts to break into China itself, by setting a precedent for other nations to challenge China's fortress-like trade regime. Uganda's success at winning reduced trade tariffs may help open the door for concessions from Beijing on other agricultural products as well.
Summary
The United States is backing Uganda's attempts to reduce Chinese trade tariffs. Kampala is receiving U.S. funding through a program aimed at making Uganda a competitive exporter of agricultural products. However, the funding program is also a clever U.S. tactic to tear down Chinese trade barriers without fighting Beijing directly.
Analysis
For the last two years, Washington has been funding a Ugandan initiative to tap new export markets. The measures are just now beginning to pay off. Earlier this year, Uganda shipped its first consignment of coffee beans to China.
By helping Uganda break into China's market, Washington achieves several important goals. It demonstrates good faith and a commitment to underdeveloped nations by advancing Uganda's export competitiveness. More importantly, it advances U.S. efforts to break into China itself, by setting a precedent for other nations to challenge China's fortress-like trade regime. Uganda's success at winning reduced trade tariffs may help open the door for concessions from Beijing on other agricultural products as well.