AFTE Statement on USTR 2021 Trade Policy Agenda and 2020 Annual Report

AFTE Statement on USTR 2021 Trade Policy Agenda and 2020 Annual Report

WASHINGTON (March 2) — Today, Alliance for Trade Enforcement Executive Director Brian Pomper issued the following statement in response to the just-released 2021 Trade Policy Agenda and 2020 Annual Report from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative:

“AFTE is heartened that USTR’s 2021 Trade Policy Agenda highlights the importance of trade enforcement. The “Making the Rules Count” section shows the Biden administration’s commitment to ending other countries’ unfair trade practices that disadvantage American workers and businesses.

“A strong, credible commitment to trade enforcement will help the Biden administration implement the other elements of its agenda.

“International trade already supports more than 40 million U.S. jobs. Eliminating existing trade barriers could create millions more jobs and help America bounce back from the Covid-19 slump.

“As the 2020 Annual Report’s enforcement review — which notes USTR’s launch of dairy dispute settlement proceedings under USMCA — makes clear, the Biden administration has numerous avenues to strengthen trade enforcement. AFTE looks forward to working with the Biden administration to eliminate unfair trade practices and fully implement the provisions of existing trade deals over the coming year.”

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.