AFTE Statement on USTR’s Intention to Request ITC Investigation on the TRIPS Waiver
December 7, 2022 (WASHINGTON) – Today, the Alliance for Trade Enforcement released the following statement in response to the U.S. Trade Representative’s announcement on the potential expansion of the TRIPS waiver.
“Waiving rights under any of the WTO commitments is an extraordinary action that should be taken only when supported by evidence of a pressing need to do so. Numerous delegations to the World Trade Organization have noted the lack of evidence of any need to expand the TRIPS waiver to therapeutics and diagnostics. AFTE is disappointed the United States is not yet among them.
“The Mexican and Swiss governments recently communicated to the WTO that 138 voluntary licensing agreements have afforded patients in more than 127 countries access to COVID-19 therapeutics. Across the globe, supply of therapeutics greatly exceeds demand.
“AFTE believes there is already a robust factual record that provides ample reason for USTR to oppose expanding the TRIPS waiver to therapeutics and diagnostics. We will nevertheless participate in the U.S. International Trade Commission’s fact-finding investigation — and encourage others to do so — to ensure that the report the ITC ultimately produces accurately reflects the facts on the ground.”
About the Alliance for Trade Enforcement: The Alliance for Trade Enforcement is a coalition of trade associations and business groups that advocates for foreign governments to end unfair trade practices that harm U.S. innovative industries and supports U.S. policymakers in their efforts to hold our trading partners accountable.