PARIS, May 16: The United States remains committed to free trade and resolutely opposes protectionism, White House chief economist Glenn Hubbard asserted here Thursday in the face of sharp European criticism of recent moves by Washington to protect its steel and agriculture sectors.

The US has come under bitter criticism from its partners in the European Union for a decision by President Bush to impose tariffs of up to 30pc on steel import and for just-approved legislation boosting subsidies to US farmers.

According to EU officials, make a mockery of US commitments to free trade and an end to export subsidies made at a ministerial meeting of the WTO last November.—AFP