Mar 04 2025 3 mins
The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has been at the forefront of several significant trade-related developments in recent days. One of the most notable initiatives is the USTR's request for public comments on unfair and non-reciprocal foreign trade practices. This call for comments, which closes on March 11, 2025, is part of President Trump's "America First Trade Policy" and aims to identify and address trade practices that contribute to the U.S. trade deficit, particularly with large economies[1][5].
The USTR is seeking detailed comments on a country-by-country basis, especially for G20 countries and those with significant bilateral trade deficits in goods. The comments should outline the specific foreign country, the trade arrangement in question, its operation, and the impact on the U.S. economy, with a focus on quantifying the harm in dollar amounts. These submissions will help the USTR make recommendations to President Trump in a comprehensive report due by April 1, 2025[5].
This initiative aligns with the Trump Administration's broader strategy to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and counter non-reciprocal trading arrangements. A recent memorandum on reciprocal trade and tariffs, issued by President Trump on February 13, 2025, underscores the administration's commitment to determining equivalent reciprocal tariffs for each foreign trading partner based on factors such as foreign tariffs, taxes, non-tariff barriers, and exchange rates[5].
In addition to this public comment period, the USTR has been involved in several other key trade issues. For instance, the USTR has requested a review under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding Canada's digital services tax (DST), which the USTR argues discriminates against U.S. companies and violates Canada's trade commitments. The DST imposes a 3% tax on revenues from online marketplaces, targeted advertising, social media platforms, and user data, affecting companies with significant global and Canadian digital services revenue[2].
The USTR has also been active in combating intellectual property theft and piracy. The latest annual Notorious Markets list highlighted successes in shutting down piracy sites, such as Fmovies, and identified ongoing concerns with cyberlockers and "bulletproof" internet service providers that facilitate piracy. The USTR continues to monitor and address these issues to protect U.S. intellectual property rights[2].
Furthermore, the USTR has initiated several Section 301 investigations, including one into China's practices targeting the semiconductor industry for dominance. These investigations are part of the USTR's broader efforts to address unfair trade practices and ensure reciprocal trade relations[4].
In terms of personnel, the U.S. Senate recently confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new United States Trade Representative, marking a significant change in leadership for the office[4].
Overall, the USTR's recent activities reflect a proactive approach to addressing trade imbalances, protecting U.S. economic interests, and ensuring fair and reciprocal trade practices with other countries.
The USTR is seeking detailed comments on a country-by-country basis, especially for G20 countries and those with significant bilateral trade deficits in goods. The comments should outline the specific foreign country, the trade arrangement in question, its operation, and the impact on the U.S. economy, with a focus on quantifying the harm in dollar amounts. These submissions will help the USTR make recommendations to President Trump in a comprehensive report due by April 1, 2025[5].
This initiative aligns with the Trump Administration's broader strategy to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and counter non-reciprocal trading arrangements. A recent memorandum on reciprocal trade and tariffs, issued by President Trump on February 13, 2025, underscores the administration's commitment to determining equivalent reciprocal tariffs for each foreign trading partner based on factors such as foreign tariffs, taxes, non-tariff barriers, and exchange rates[5].
In addition to this public comment period, the USTR has been involved in several other key trade issues. For instance, the USTR has requested a review under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding Canada's digital services tax (DST), which the USTR argues discriminates against U.S. companies and violates Canada's trade commitments. The DST imposes a 3% tax on revenues from online marketplaces, targeted advertising, social media platforms, and user data, affecting companies with significant global and Canadian digital services revenue[2].
The USTR has also been active in combating intellectual property theft and piracy. The latest annual Notorious Markets list highlighted successes in shutting down piracy sites, such as Fmovies, and identified ongoing concerns with cyberlockers and "bulletproof" internet service providers that facilitate piracy. The USTR continues to monitor and address these issues to protect U.S. intellectual property rights[2].
Furthermore, the USTR has initiated several Section 301 investigations, including one into China's practices targeting the semiconductor industry for dominance. These investigations are part of the USTR's broader efforts to address unfair trade practices and ensure reciprocal trade relations[4].
In terms of personnel, the U.S. Senate recently confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new United States Trade Representative, marking a significant change in leadership for the office[4].
Overall, the USTR's recent activities reflect a proactive approach to addressing trade imbalances, protecting U.S. economic interests, and ensuring fair and reciprocal trade practices with other countries.