The US lost its final appeal of the case against subsidies to US cotton growers that began six years ago.

Brazil is asking the WTO to restart the Brazil actions against the US from 2005 that were suspended while the US was given time to comply with WTO rules concerning the cotton program.

Although the US has exhausted the appeals process under WTO rules, they can still ask for a lower number than that which Brazil has requested.

A spokesman for the US Trade Representative says the office will consult with members of Congress before taking any steps, but will vigorously defend American interests in the coming weeks.