Australian drugs scheme threatens free-trade talks.

INTERNATIONAL cooperation on free trade; PHARMACEUTICAL policy; PHARMACEUTICAL industry; INTERNATIONAL relations; INTERNATIONAL trade; COMMERCIAL policy; FOREIGN trade regulation; PROTECTIONISM; COMMUNICATION in international trade; GOVERNMENT policy

UNITED States; AUSTRALIA

Reports that Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is causing problems for U.S.-Australia free-trade talks. Statement that Australia uses PBS to keep the cost of prescriptions down; Claim by the U.S. Pharmaceuticals Research and Manufacturers Association that PBS restricts drug companies' access to the Australian market; Comments made by Australian prime minister John Howard.