Free Trade Agreements

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On September 9, 2022, the United States and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) partner countries – Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – announced they had reached consensus on ministerial statements for each of the four IPEF framework pillars: Trade, Supply Chain, Clean…

On August 17, 2022, the Office the U.S. Trade Representative announced that formal negotiations have commenced with Taiwan on the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. This trade initiative was first announced in June 2022 as an effort to “deepen the economic and trade relationship, advance mutual trade priorities based on shared values, and…

On May 23, 2022, the United States and several allies in the Asia-Pacific-India region announced the launch of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) to pursue regional economic engagement. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated, “This framework will enable the United States to expand its economic leadership in the Indo-Pacific and work with our…

On March 1, 2022, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released President Joe Biden’s 2022 Trade Agenda and 2021 Annual Report.  The trade agenda highlights President Biden’s continued focus on a “worker-centered trade policy” by “promoting a broader agenda of fair competition to ensure that workers are competing on the basis of…

Key Notes:

  • USMCA trade ministers meet, demonstrating that USMCA is in full force
  • USMCA compliance required as of now
  • Auto rules of origin and labor were key issues in discussions

On May 18, 2021, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) Free Trade Commission (FTC) held its inaugural meeting, which was led by U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine…

On May 12, 2021, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee on President Joseph Biden’s trade agenda. Ambassador Tai’s written testimony noted that the Biden administration wants “a fair international trading system that promotes inclusive growth and reflects America’s universal values.” She noted that support from Congress would add “more…

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has released its annual National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers that addresses the status of foreign trade and investment barriers to U.S. exports worldwide. This is the U.S. government’s major annual report on the barriers to U.S. exports of goods and services, investment and electronic…

On March 1, 2021, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) released President Joseph Biden’s 2021 Trade Agenda and 2020 Annual Report. Providing an overview of “a comprehensive trade policy in support of the administration’s effort to help the U.S. recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and build back better,” the report states…

On December 8, 2020, the United States and Ecuador signed a new Protocol on Trade Rules and Transparency that updates the U.S.-Ecuador Trade and Investment Council Agreement (TIC Agreement).  The Protocol adds four new annexes on (i) Customs Administration and Trade Facilitation, (ii) Good Regulatory Practices, (iii) Anticorruption and (iv) Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises.  In…

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has announced the initiation of an investigation into the economic impact on the United States of all trade agreements. The investigation, Economic Impact of Trade Agreements Implemented Under Trade Authorities Procedures, 2021 Report, is required by section 105(f)(2) of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of…