White House Releases 2023 Trade Policy Agenda
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) released President Biden’s 2023 Trade Policy Agenda and 2022 Annual Report to Congress today, showcasing trade initiatives in Asia, Europe and Africa. The report indicates that negotiated agreements will include a focus on workers’ rights and economic equity. In a statement today on the new report, U.S. Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai said, “We will continue to pursue an agenda that will deliver sustainable and inclusive economic prosperity for all.” The report also indicates that USTR will continue its work to reform the dispute process at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Read the news release and USTR’s 2023 Trade Policy Agenda and 2022 Annual Report.
US Develops Coalitions Outside WTO to Confront China's Trade Practices
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), in its annual report last week on China’s World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance, said that the U.S. is developing multilateral coalitions to “find global solutions to the many serious problems posed by China’s state-led, non-market approach to the economy and trade.” In the report, USTR says the WTO has not diminish China’s unfair market practices and that the U.S. “is continuing to work directly with allies and like-minded trading partners outside of a multilateral organization context in pursuit of new initiatives to explore strategies for addressing the unique problems posed by non-market policies and practices.” Read the news release and the 2022 USTR Report to Congress on China’s WTO Compliance.
US Adds Restrictions on Common Household Appliances Exported to Russia, Belarus
The Commerce Department announced new restrictions on dual-use exports to Russia and Belarus, including common household items like coffee makers, hair dryers, and 320 other consumer products. The U.S. says Russia is gutting these appliances for their microchips and low-level technology repair and replace military equipment. Exporters with customers in Russia and Belarus will have to apply for export licenses. See the news release and the notice with list of newly restricted products.