President Trump spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Friday morning, highlighting his view that trade must be fair, but also inviting foreign investment in the United States. “I’m inviting you to be part of the future we are building together,” Trump said. Regarding trade, Trump said, “We can’t have free and open trade if some countries exploit the system at the expense of others.” He...
Strongly-worded USTR China WTO compliance released
The Office of the US Trade Representative’s annual report on China’s compliance with its World Trade Organization (WTO) obligations was released Friday, with notably harsher language about China’s economic behavior than in past administrations. The report states that the US was mistaken in supporting China’s accession to the WTO in 2001, because entry into the global trade organization has “proven to be ineffective in securing China’...
For analysis of potential trade actions in 2018, see Monday’s New Year edition of the Washington Update.
Steel report sent to White House, recommendations not yet public
The Commerce Department’s Section 232 investigation into steel imports is complete and has been sent to the White House, just ahead of its January 15 deadline. The report will not be made public until the President decides whether to take action, which he has ninety days to do. The decision to keep the...
Washington returns today for its first full work week of the new year, with many pending actions that could impact US-China trade relations. Some key dates to keep in mind for the coming weeks:
Recommendations by the Commerce department on steel and aluminum imports, related to national security concerns (known as Section 232 investigations, referring to a section under US trade law), are due on January 15 and 22 respectively, starting the clock for the president to make a decision on...McMaster: National security policy to be released Monday
National Security Advisor HR McMaster said Tuesday that President Trump will unveil his national security plan next week, which will prioritize four “vital national interests:” protecting the homeland and American people; advancing American prosperity; preserving peace through strength; and advancing American influence. In his speech at a British think tank, McMaster said the policy is intended to counter threats from “...
Hearing scheduled on CFIUS reform
The House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing next week to discuss the Committee on Foreign Relations in the US (CFIUS), which reviews foreign direct investment into the United States for national security purposes. While not specifically on one of the reform bills that are pending in Congress, the hearing is widely expected to focus on options included in a measure led by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX). Witnesses are expected to include former...
United States files WTO brief on China’s nonmarket economy status
The US filed a brief with the WTO Thursday, expanding its legal argument that China should not be treated as a market economy in antidumping cases, an issue that carries implications for the overall US-China trade relationship. Citing sections of Article VI of the GATT 1994, as well as past interpretations and other sections of WTO law, the US said that the WTO had the authority to maintain China’s non-market economy...
Trump returns from Asia trip...now what?
Following his return from a five-country Asia trip, President Trump said Wednesday that his administration had convinced countries in the region that it is necessary to have “free and fair” trade. Trump again faulted past administrations for the US’ current trade deficit. Despite suggestions earlier in the week that Trump would have a “major announcement” on trade, no new actions were announced.
Regarding his time in China, Trump said...
Trump Asia trip updates
Schedule extended
President Trump leaves today for a stopover in Hawaii before his 13-day, 5-country tour of Asia--the longest trip any sitting US President has made to the region in a quarter century. In addition to his state visit to China, Trump will make stops in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines.The President will attend the APEC summit in Vietnam. Just this morning the White House said Trump would extend his trip to attend the East...
Trump Asia trip updates
Schedule extended
President Trump leaves today for a stopover in Hawaii before his 13-day, 5-country tour of Asia--the longest trip any sitting US President has made to the region in a quarter century. In addition to his state visit to China, Trump will make stops in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines.The President will attend the APEC summit in Vietnam. Just this morning the White House said Trump would extend his trip to attend the East...
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