GENEVA - America's open market remains a key engine of global economic growth, but the United States runs the risk of a backlash at home in favor of protectionism, the World Trade Organization said in a review of U.S. commerce policy.

The report, a copy of which was obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press, suggested the United States reduce government spending, cut the budget deficit and work on persuading other countries to buy more American goods as a way of preventing “possible protectionist sentiment.” The document was written before the collapse of a proposed sale of operations at six major U.S. ports to a United Arab Emirates company.

In a speech Monday night, Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said it was necessary to resist isolationist and protectionist thinking that threatens new economic opportunities.

“The rapid pace of change has bred uncertainty and fear that has been exploited by politicians and commentators,” Schwab said at Thunderbird, the Garvin School of International Management, in Phoenix. “We must resist the populist temptation to retreat from the market in apprehension. It might feel good in the short run but it will only lead to lower living standards at home and abroad.”

The WTO review, slated for release later this week, praised the United States for its transparent trade policy, and strong advancement of open markets and the rule of law in commercial transactions.

“The United States is the world's largest import market, and its economy has continued to support global growth by maintaining its market largely open,” the global commerce body said. WTO reviews are conducted for members every two years, with the last review of the U.S. taking place in 2004.

The report noted that “fast-track” authority in the U.S. - which requires Congress to accept or reject international trade deals as a whole, without being able to accept or reject specific measures - will expire in 2007.