The EU has dropped a ban on U.S. imports of live pigs and beef washed in lactic acid to show that Europe is serious about a trade agreement with the U.S. that would encompass1/3 of global trade. The EU may also ease restrictions on the importation of tallow from the U.S. Since the crisis of 2008-09 both the EU and the U.S. have experienced meager growth and seek an economic boost. EU Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht will travel to Washington DC to finalize a U.S-EU report expected to recommend going forward with the free trade negotiations.