Mar 02 2025 3 mins
In recent days, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has been at the forefront of several significant trade policy developments, reflecting the ongoing implementation of the America First Trade Policy.
On February 20, 2025, the USTR announced a call for public comments to identify and address unfair and non-reciprocal foreign trade practices. This initiative, part of the broader America First Trade Policy and the Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs Presidential Memorandum, seeks input from interested parties, particularly focusing on the largest trading economies and those with significant trade deficits with the United States. Comments are due by March 11, 2025, and can be submitted through the USTR's online portal. The USTR is looking for detailed information on specific foreign trade practices, their impact on U.S. interests, and quantification of the harm or costs incurred by American stakeholders[5].
In another significant move, the USTR is seeking comments on proposed actions to address China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. This follows findings under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that China engaged in practices aimed at dominating these sectors. Written comments are due by March 24, 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for the same date. Additional written comments in rebuttal can be submitted up to seven days after the hearing[2][3].
The USTR has also been involved in actions related to digital services taxes imposed by other countries. On February 21, 2025, President Trump directed the USTR, in collaboration with the Treasury Department, Commerce, and other stakeholders, to formulate responses to these taxes. The focus is on addressing practices that hinder American digital services companies, including potential tariffs, dispute settlement actions, and measures to address content mandates and tax discrimination. Reports and recommendations on these issues are due to the President by April 1, 2025[2].
Additionally, the USTR is preparing for several key events in March 2025. On March 4, the pause on tariffs against Canada and Mexico is set to end. On March 12, new tariffs on aluminum and steel are scheduled to go into effect. Later in the month, from March 19 to 21, the first G20 Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting will take place. The month will also see the lapse of the pause on EU retaliatory tariffs from 2018, affecting products such as bourbon whiskey, motorbikes, and cranberry products[1].
These actions underscore the USTR's active role in shaping and enforcing U.S. trade policies, with a focus on addressing perceived unfair trade practices, protecting American industries, and promoting reciprocal trade arrangements. As these developments unfold, companies and investors are advised to closely monitor these changes and participate in the comment processes to ensure their interests are represented.
On February 20, 2025, the USTR announced a call for public comments to identify and address unfair and non-reciprocal foreign trade practices. This initiative, part of the broader America First Trade Policy and the Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs Presidential Memorandum, seeks input from interested parties, particularly focusing on the largest trading economies and those with significant trade deficits with the United States. Comments are due by March 11, 2025, and can be submitted through the USTR's online portal. The USTR is looking for detailed information on specific foreign trade practices, their impact on U.S. interests, and quantification of the harm or costs incurred by American stakeholders[5].
In another significant move, the USTR is seeking comments on proposed actions to address China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. This follows findings under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 that China engaged in practices aimed at dominating these sectors. Written comments are due by March 24, 2025, with a public hearing scheduled for the same date. Additional written comments in rebuttal can be submitted up to seven days after the hearing[2][3].
The USTR has also been involved in actions related to digital services taxes imposed by other countries. On February 21, 2025, President Trump directed the USTR, in collaboration with the Treasury Department, Commerce, and other stakeholders, to formulate responses to these taxes. The focus is on addressing practices that hinder American digital services companies, including potential tariffs, dispute settlement actions, and measures to address content mandates and tax discrimination. Reports and recommendations on these issues are due to the President by April 1, 2025[2].
Additionally, the USTR is preparing for several key events in March 2025. On March 4, the pause on tariffs against Canada and Mexico is set to end. On March 12, new tariffs on aluminum and steel are scheduled to go into effect. Later in the month, from March 19 to 21, the first G20 Trade and Investment Working Group Meeting will take place. The month will also see the lapse of the pause on EU retaliatory tariffs from 2018, affecting products such as bourbon whiskey, motorbikes, and cranberry products[1].
These actions underscore the USTR's active role in shaping and enforcing U.S. trade policies, with a focus on addressing perceived unfair trade practices, protecting American industries, and promoting reciprocal trade arrangements. As these developments unfold, companies and investors are advised to closely monitor these changes and participate in the comment processes to ensure their interests are represented.