How Dangerous are Trade Disputes Between the EU and the US for Transatlantic Relations? :: Trading European Union United States Essays

How Dangerous are Trade Disputes Between the EU and the US for Transatlantic Relations? INTRODUCTION The United States of America and the 15 countries that comprise the European Union are the two largest economies in the world, and possess the world’s biggest bilateral trading and investment relationship. The enormous impact of trade relations between the two continents creates thousands of jobs and wealth on both sides of the Atlantic. These transatlantic flows of trade and investment amount to around $1 billion a day, and jointly, the global trade accounts for almost 40 % of world trade . These staggering figures indicate the incredible synergies that can result from cooperative agreements between countries, but are not always free from the perilous touch of political and national interests. Every relationship has its own pitfalls and troubles, and if not kept in check the trade disagreements that arise between these powerful entities can pose a dangerous threat to the entire relationship. Unfortunately, the disagreements that result can become so heated that a complete trade shutdown of certain items occurs. One such example is the EU/US beef trade dispute. As Michael Paulson of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer notes, as much as 90 % of US beef is produced with the aid of growth hormones and is shipped to 138 countries . The dispute is now in its 14th year after several interesting milestones in the dispute’s history. The Office of the US Trade Representative identifies several important milestones in the case beginning in 1985, when the EU restricted use of hormones to therapeutic purposes only. This was followed by a complete ban in 1989 on meat from animals treated with six growth hormones, effectively ending virtually all importation of American and Canadian beef. In 1996 the US and Canada consulted the World Trade Organization (WTO) about the ban, with the WTO ruling in 1997 that the EU’s beef ban was not based on scientific evidence . Researchers at Kansas State University have verified the WTO’s stand that there is no merit to claims hormone-fed beef is not safe to eat, as long as the hormones are used with generally accepted veterinary principles. American beef producers claim that European producers support the ban because it stifles competition, giving them a competitive edge in their own backyard through trade protectionism. They complain that French farmers are some of the most heavily subsidized in the world, giving them an unfair trade advantage.

Caterpillar and Komatsu: A Mission Statement Evaluation Essay

Caterpillar and Komatsu are two of the largest heavy equipment manufacturers in the world with total revenue of over $29.1 billion dollars for fiscal year 2001 between the two companies. Caterpillar was established in 1925 after Benjamin Holt and Daniel Best merged their two companies, both of which had been in business for over 35 years each. Komatsu was founded in 1921 when Komatsu Iron Works was spun off as an independent corporation from Takeuchi Mining Industry, Ltd. Both companies, Caterpillar and Komatsu, have since established themselves in the market as leaders of heavy equipment manufacturing. A review of the websites and mission statements for each company speaks volumes about the company and their philosophy towards doing business. Each mission statement was evaluated for the following components as per the UniModule for the course: Customers, Products or services, Markets, Technology, Concern for survival, growth and profitability, Philosophy, Self-concept, Concern for public image and Concern for employees. Additionally, each mission statement, as well as the company web site and company reports, was reviewed to determine how the priorities of the stockholders were addressed. Caterpillar Caterpillar has both a vision and a mission to drive their company. The vision is basically stated, â€Å"Be the global leader in customer value† (Caterpillar). This basic statement drives the four different aspects of the mission and the company as a whole. The vision also shows a strong concern for survival and growth with a forward-looking vision to the future. In addition, a basic vision such as this also drives the philosophy of the company as they strive to be the best in their market. The first section of the mission statement is as follows: Caterpillar will be the leader in providing the best value in machines,  engines and support services for customers dedicated to building the world’s infrastructure and developing and transporting its resources. We provide the best value to customers. (italics as included in statement) (Caterpillar) As this section states, Caterpillar believes in supporting the customer through all aspects of its operations. This section also addresses Caterpillar’s philosophy in their products and services by providing the best value to their customers. The second section of the mission statement states: Caterpillar people will increase shareholder value by aggressively pursuing growth and profit opportunities that leverage our engineering, manufacturing, distribution, information management and financial services expertise. We grow profitably. (italics as included in statement) (Caterpillar) This section addresses Caterpillar’s concern for shareholder value by directly addressing their goals to increase value as part of the statement, and not as an afterthought. The simple line, â€Å"We grow profitably† shows a strong faith in their future as a company. The third section read: Caterpillar will provide its worldwide workforce with an environment that stimulates diversity, innovation, teamwork, continuous learning and improvement and rewards individual performance. We develop and reward people. (italics as included in statement) (Caterpillar) A strong concern for the employees is shown in this section of the mission statement. According to the Caterpillar website, the company offers extensive training and employee development, as well as a multitude of benefits for their employees. The final section of the mission statement is as follows: Caterpillar is dedicated to improving the quality of life while sustaining the quality of our earth. We encourage social responsibility. (italics as included in statement) (Caterpillar) Finally, Caterpillar addresses their concern for the public image of the company by addressing environmental and social issues in their mission statement. Caterpillar is involved in several environmental and social projects in the communities that they are a part of, whether in the United States or around the world. Overall, the vision and mission statement for Caterpillar is strong and clear, providing a valuable direction for the company in all aspects of their operation. Komatsu Komatsu has established a basic mission statement as well as a Code of Worldwide Business Conduct (Code) booklet that helps to guide the company in its global business dealings. This Code is updated annually to reflect any new or changed information that may affect how the company performs on a global level. The mission statement, which is actually an opening statement by the president of the company, Masahiro Sakane, reads as follows: Komatsu is committed to Quality and Reliability as the very cornerstones of its management to maximize its corporate value. Through business activities, we at Komatsu work to enhance the corporate value of Komatsu for shareholders and all other stakeholders by promoting activities to become a Strong Company, while simultaneously observing the â€Å"Rules of the Business Community (the Rules)† and fulfilling the responsibility of corporate citizenship to become a Good Company. In this manner, I believe that we can improve the Quality and Reliability of management and employees. (Komatsu) By breaking down the opening statement, as well as the pertinent sections of the Code, we can evaluate the company’s means for addressing the different  requirements from the UniModule. A driving force behind the Code is the strong commitment to quality and reliability for their products. This is addressed in the management direction section of the code, which provides five guidelines for enhancing quality and reliability. The first guideline directly addresses the customers’ needs and concerns, as well as the product and/or services themselves, by â€Å"constantly providing safe and innovative products/service and systems from the viewpoint of our customers.† (Komatsu) Additionally, product safety is mentioned as one of the main aspects for quality and reliability. According to Komatsu, â€Å"all employees place the highest priority for assurance of safety when engaging in development, production, procurement, sales, service and all other stages.† (Komatsu) References Caterpillar Company Information. Mission. Caterpillar. Retrieved on June 20, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.cat.com/about_cat/company_information/03_mission/mission.html Komatsu Code of Business Conduct. Komatsu, Inc. Retrieved June 20, 2002 from the World Wide Web: http://www.komatsu.com/profile/index.html

The Theme Of Death In Arthur Millers Death Of A Salesman

Death is often seen as a scary and dreadful reality that everybody must face. Suicide is perceived as selfish and cold-hearted by many. What about somebody who commits suicide for the greater good? This harsh actuality is depicted in the play â€Å"Death of a Salesman† by Arthur Miller. Miller overcame loss and devastation and created a heartfelt collection of literature that became iconic. â€Å"Death of a Salesman† unveils the unfortunate reality that many households experience of chaos disrupting harmony and the disappointment that follows unrealistic, preplaced standards. Willy and Linda are the parents of two boys, Happy and Biff. In Willy’s eyes, his boys have not amounted to anything because they have not followed in his footsteps of becoming†¦show more content†¦Even though he was not successful, he wants to â€Å"plant seeds† in an attempt to motivate his children to follow his footsteps, but go further than he did and be truly successful . Eric Sterling, in an analysis of the play states that â€Å"Although at times some individuals wish it were not so, the phrase â€Å"Like father, like son† also is truly apropos as the young tend to take their cues from their first role models, their parents.† Biff does not really want to follow in his father’s steps after knowing that he cheated on Linda, but he still takes after his father in multiple ways. Willy seems to regret not â€Å"planting seeds† sooner and since he regrets this, it seems that he cannot see the value in what he has provided for his sons as well as what his sons have accomplished. Regret can eat away at a person, as well as their character. One of Willy’s biggest regrets is cheating on Linda and letting his family down in the process. This is symbolized by stockings because Willy gave his mistress stockings and then proceeds to shout at his wife for fixing her stockings in his presence. The stockings also symbolize Biff’s frustration with his father because he knew about the affair and they were a painful reminder of his father’s infidelity. Willy regrets cheating on his wife, he feels like he failed his family and fails to recognize how much he has supported and promoted the prosperity of his family.Show MoreRelatedThe Theme of Dishonestly in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman975 Words   |  4 PagesThe Theme of Dishonestly in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman Death of a Salesman was written by Arthur Miller in 1949. It is set in the American states of Boston and New York during the 1930s great depression. The American great depression was the greatest economic collapse in the modern world. Businesses and banks closed their doors, people lost their jobs, homes, and savings, and many depended on charity to survive. Through this the American Dream was created - Read MoreArthur Miller Criticism913 Words   |  4 Pages Arthur Miller is a highly distinguished author. 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