Today, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative announced a request for public input for a performance review of all the United States’ existing international trade and investment agreements.
In an April 29, 2017 executive order, President Trump directed USTR and the Department of Commerce to submit within 180 days a report that reviews trade agreement performance, identifies trade abuses, and pursues trade remedies.
To inform this report, the Administration is committed to listening to the most important voices: the American people. Through written comments, Americans can help identify the impact of trade agreements, including any first-hand experience with unfair trade practices.
The focus for solicited public comments includes, but is not limited to, the effects of a trade agreement, partnership, or program in the following areas:
- Harm to American workers, including the offshoring of factories and jobs and downward pressure on wage and income growth.
- Harm of intellectual property rights, the rate of innovation, or research and development in the United States.
- Unmet predictions on new jobs created, favorable trade balance effects, expanded market access, lowered trade barriers, or increased United States exports.
A Federal Register notice published today invites public comment submitted via http://www.regulations.gov, entered under docket number USTR-2017-0010. Public comments must be received by July 29, 2017 at 11:59 pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) and subsequently will be publicly posted at www.regulations.gov.
The findings of the performance review will help guide trade policy and negotiations for fair treatment of United States interests in trade relationships.
