Those figures found a ready place in almost every news report about the Doha round that autumn.

ECONOMIST: Economic models

That the White House sees little need for a heavyweight in the trade job suggests it is sceptical about the Doha round, reluctant to push controversial bilateral deals and in no mood to try to convince Congress to extend the Trade Promotion Authority, which expires in June 2007.

ECONOMIST: The president's economic team

There are already doubts about the new Doha round, with questions being asked about the lack of progress since it was launched.

ECONOMIST: A glimpse of light? | The