Source – Office of the United States Trade Representative Press Release Date – 1 March 2013 Website – www.ustr.gov Agenda outlines comprehensive plans for 2013 to open markets for U.S. exports, enforce U.S. trade rights, and sustain American leadership in international trade
Don’t Mess With the Single-Focused USTR
I have a message for President Obama: Don’t mess with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Earlier this month, the President spoke of the need to improve the government’s performance–and he amplified this theme on Tuesday night, in his State of the Union address. “The executive branch also needs to change,” he said. “Too [...]
Possibility of Merging USTR with Other Agencies
Farm Futures January 18, 2012 If Congress gives the Obama Administration the green light to reorganize the government, a single federal food safety agency is likely. If that happens, Office of Management and Budget Director for Management Jeff Zients believes the first proposal will be to merge the six business-oriented agencies, folding together the Commerce [...]
Commerce revamp could weaken trade policy
Washington Post January 13, 2012 By Howard Schneider and Peter Whoriskey President Obama’s plan to streamline the government’s trade and commerce agencies could raise major issues involving trade-policy negotiations, and while lawmakers expressed enthusiasm for making the government more efficient, some wanted more details before pledging support. Agencies such as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative [...]
Farm trade talks at Doha moving slow-USTR’s Schwab
The Guardian”Washington (Reuters) – Agricultural negotiators in Geneva are hobbled by the reluctance of some nations to remove farm trade barriers, but a world trade pact could still be reached this year, U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab said on Monday. T”
Doha deal would give world economy a boost: USTR
The Washington Post”Washington (Reuters) – A breakthrough soon in world trade talks would give the global economy a much-needed boost at a time when many are worried about a possible downturn, top U.S. and Australian trade officials said on Friday. A deal “”would be a “
U.S. Report on Trade Hurdles Highlights Friction With China
The Wall Street JournalWashington – The U.S. has made progress opening overseas markets to American goods, but still needs to resolve long-standing disputes with some of its biggest trading partners, particularly China, the Bush administration said Friday. The U.S. Trade Representative`s yearly National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers said ongoing problems include China`s [...]
Portman Confirmation Hearings This Month
Red River Farm NetworkThe Bush Administration wants its nominee for U.S. Trade Representative to have his Senate confirmation hearing this month. White House officials hope the Senate will confirm Ohio Congressman Rob Portman for the USTR post just before action begins on CAFTA. CAFTA proponents want a vote on the trade bill by Memorial Day.