11.   The U.S. trade deficit with China continued to jump higher in January amid increasing tension over Taiwan, Chinese import barriers and nuclear proliferation.

12.   But it must still tighten intellectual property laws and remove import barriers such as regulations on maintenance and repair of electronics goods, the ministry said.

13.   China has pledged to gradually reduce tariff rates and remove other import barriers as part of its bid to join the World Trade Organization.

14.   Cutbacks in protection will be phased in over the next few years and lower prices due to lower import barriers will be passed on to consumers only over time.

15.   Earlier, WTO Director-General Mike Moore said governments facing the global slowdown should resist the temptation to retreat behind import barriers.

16.   He cited tough quarantine rules on plants, animals and fish, along with import barriers for tea, fertilizer, garments and food additives.

17.   India recently signed bilateral trade agreements to lift import barriers with a number of countries, including Australia and members of the European Union.

18.   Millions of factory workers and inefficient and technically backward farmers are expected to lose jobs when WTO entry lowers import barriers on food and other products.

19.   The purchase was part of a promise to the World Trade Organization on lowering import barriers on farm goods.

20.   The United States also wants Vietnam to reduce import barriers, strengthen its commercial laws and protect copyrights.