Most subsidies currently used by the USA and the EU are damaging to developing countries, says an Oxfam America report. This is proved by a recent WTO dispute settlement ruling that found US cotton subsidies to be contrary to WTO rules. The ruling followed a complaint by Brazil at the WTO. "If they are serious about development, the EU and the USA must agree to improved rules that will effectively end export dumping and reduce trade distortions," said the report, which also stated that the key demand of West African countries for a drastic reduction in US cotton subsidies had been vindicated by the ruling, strengthening their political case for urgent action.