Here's what people are saying about this week's 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade. Ambassador Kirk co-chaired the JCCT - a high-level dialogue seeking to open market opportunities and resolve bilateral trade disputes - with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. During the JCCT, China agreed to reopen its market to U.S. pork and live swine, remove barriers for American firms to China's growing clean energy market, and clamp down on Internet piracy.
Blog - October 2009
10/30/2009 - 1:01pm
In a recent question about foreign trade barriers to the United States, El Shaddai of Virginia asks:
"Is there an annual publication that tells what limits or restrictions foreign countries place on trade with the U.S.?"
Ambassador Kirk's response:
"Yes! My office collects and publishes annually exactly that sort of information in a report called the "National Trade Estimates Report on Foreign Trade Barriers." In that report, we inventory the most important foreign barriers affecting U.S. exports of goods and services, U.S. foreign direct investment, and the protection of intellectual property rights. The report examines the largest export markets for the United States, including 58 individual countries, the European Union, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Southern African Customs Union and the Arab League. We draw on the information in the report to facilitate negotiations to reduce or eliminate the barriers and to apply certain U.S. trade laws. You can find the most recent reports here on the USTR website.
USTR is always working on reducing the foreign trade barriers documented in these reports. We recently launched an initiative to break down foreign barriers posed by sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) and standards-related measures on agricultural and manufactured products. Beginning in 2010, we will put even greater focus on SPS and standards-related barriers when we publish new separate reports highlighting these barriers and the steps we are taking to address them. SPS measures ensure that agricultural goods are safe or free from pests or disease. Standard-related measures can take the form of product performance or design requirements -- say, for electrical equipment - labeling requirements or rules governing production methods. Sometimes these measures are distorted by trading partners, preventing safe, high-quality goods produced by U.S. farmers and manufacturers from competing in foreign markets. These trade barriers harm America's agricultural producers and manufacturers along with the workers who make their livings in these sectors.
If you have any interest in contributing your views on this subject, USTR is currently requesting comments from the American public to aid in compiling the National Trade Estimate and new reports on SPS and standards-related measures. You will find our request here. Comments can be submitted until November 4, 2009 at 11:59 PM EDT."
Thank you for continuing our dialogue on trade. Please keep submitting your questions and comments for the Ambassador.
10/29/2009 - 4:31pm
Today Ambassador Kirk, Secretary Locke and Secretary Vilsack completed trade and economic dialogues at the 20th Session of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) in Hangzhou, China. The JCCT was co-chaired by Ambassador Kirk and Secretary Locke as well as Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack joined as well.
Key progress made at the 2009 JCCT meeting included the commitment by China to reopen their market to U.S. pork and live swine. In 2008, China was the U.S. pork industry's fastest growing market, accounting for $560 million in U.S. exports. China also committed to remove barriers to allow U.S. and foreign companies to access China's growing clean energy market, to re-energize its commitment to open up its government procurement process and to clamp down on Internet piracy.
The United States and China also signed nine agreements, covering areas such as aviation, energy, environment, high technology trade, investment promotion, statistics, and travel and tourism, and witnessed two commercial signings. The two governments also agreed to cooperate on initiatives in the areas of the environment, transparency, global distribution services, dietary supplements, and standards.
China is America's second largest trading partner and is a fast growing market for American exporters. The JCCT, established in 1983, is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade matters and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China.
10/29/2009 - 11:03am
The United States and China signed nine agreements as this year's China-US Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade came to an end in Hangzhou, China.
Representatives from U.S. and Chinese governments and companies signed nine agreements, covering areas such as aviation, energy, environment, high technology trade, investment promotion, statistics, and travel and tourism, and witnessed two commercial signings. The two governments also agreed to cooperate on initiatives in the areas of the environment, transparency, global distribution services, dietary supplements, and standards.
United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman and Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan witnessed the signing ceremony.
The 2009 JCCT meeting was the first under the Obama Administration. The JCCT is important to paving the way for future opportunities in economic and trade between the two countries.
10/28/2009 - 4:50pm
Today U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk gave brief remarks at a lunch meeting with Chinese Governor Lu Zushan, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, and US Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman. Ambassador Kirk arrived in Hangzhou, China yesterday for the 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT). Ambassador Kirk and Commerce Secretary Locke serve as co-chairs of the JCCT as well as Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is also attending JCCT to address key U.S. trade and economic priorities.
After the lunch, Ambassador Kirk, Secretary Locke and Secretary Vilsack participated in a joint television interview with China Central Television, the leading television network in China.
10/26/2009 - 2:30pm
On Wednesday, Ambassador Kirk and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke will serve as co-chairs with Chinese Vice Premier Wang Qishan of the 20th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) held on Wednesday, October 28th and Thursday, October 29th in Hangzhou, China. The JCCT, established in 1983, is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade matters and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China.
Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for China Affairs Tim Stratford recently recorded a video talking about the history of the JCCT, as well as the history of trade with China. Watch the video below.
Read the remarks below:
"On October 28th, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk travels along with Commerce secretary Gary Locke and Agriculture secretary Vilsack to the Peoples Republic of China to attend the 20th Joint Commission on Cooperation and Trade meeting with Vice-Premier Wang Qishan.
Founded in 1983, the JCCT was established under the notion that when we cooperate with China, both America and China stands to benefit.
The JCCT was initiated on a tradition of cooperative trade that for China stretches back through the millennia.
2000 years ago Roman emperors sent trading delegations to the Chinese imperial court, bartering for silk amongst other goods.
One thousand years later, Marco Polo traveled to the court of the great Kublai Khan, trading goods along the way. On his journey he witnessed and wrote about the monolithic treasure fleets of Zheng He (Jung He), which plowed through unchartered waters, trading Chinese goods for exotic items from Africa, Arabia and Sumatra.
In 1783, the story of American trade with China commenced when merchants, in the tradition of Zheng He, bravely sailed across the oceans to reach Chinese shores, exchanging American ingenuity and innovation for luxury items ranging from tea to fine chinaware.
And in 1844, recognizing the mutually beneficial trading relationship developing between China and America, President John Tyler dispatched Congressman Caleb Cushing to negotiate a treaty and establish official ties between China and America. The resulting treaty- the treaty of Wangxia (Wang-chi-a) established an institutional framework for trade.
Moving forward, events in the early 20th century provide valuable lessons to us today, principally that cooperation is a necessary hallmark in a successful relationship, unfortunately we learned this the hard way.
From 1949 to 1973, American relations with China were frozen due to differing perspectives on fundamental issues.
Following the re-establishment of relations, a general cognizance of the importance of dialogue developed. And in 1983, the United States and the Peoples Republic of China initiated the Joint Commission on Cooperation and Trade.
The JCCT has been an essential tool in the continued dialogue between our countries in order to discuss relevant issues and problems as well has finding the middle ground when differing perspectives of an issue arise.
We look forward to continue a successful tradition of mutually beneficial trade in the future."
10/26/2009 - 11:06am
Every week, the USTR website explores a new trade topic, with background information and current trade data. This week Ambassador Kirk travels to Hangzhou, China along with Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to meet with Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan as part of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT).
The United States and China have a large and dynamic trading relationship. Bilateral trade in goods totaled $408 billion in 2008, and China is now the United States' second largest trading partner. U.S. goods exports to China were $70 billion in 2008, up 330% since 2000 and U.S. goods imports from China were $338 billion in 2008, up 238% since 2000. Trade in services with China (exports and imports) totaled $23.0 billion in 2007 (latest data available); services exports were $14.2 billion and services imports were $8.8 billion. For the period January-to-August of 2009, U.S. goods exports to China are down 14.3% and goods imports from China are down 14.9%, as a result of the impact of the global economic downturn. Due to the large and robust relationship trading relationship the United States has with China, these talks represent an important opportunity to engage this vital trading partner at a senior level.
The U.S.-China JCCT was established in 1983 and is the main forum for addressing bilateral trade matters and promoting commercial opportunities between the United States and China. This 20th meeting of the JCCT comes at a critical juncture in America's relationship with China and represents an important opportunity for the United States to engage in dialogue at a senior level. In addition to the high-level annual plenary meeting, a large number of working groups under the JCCT meet throughout the year to bring U.S. and Chinese officials together to engage in detailed discussions of specific trade issues. The working groups will focus their attention to topics ranging from Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), the Insurance Dialogue, and the Information Industry Working Group.
The three U.S. cabinet members look forward to discussions with Vice Premier Wang Qishan and other Chinese officials on a wide range of important bilateral trade issues, including intellectual property rights enforcement, agriculture, standards, government procurement and other issues. The United States will seek to make concrete progress on as many issues as possible. The participants will also discuss a number of cooperative initiatives of interest to both sides. The JCCT also gives the United States and China a venue to consider the breadth of our trade relationship and identify steps that each side can take to ensure that it is fair, sustainable, and mutually beneficial going forward.
10/26/2009 - 10:12am
United States Trade Representative Kirk was in New Delhi, India on Monday for the sixth ministerial-level meeting of the US-India Trade Policy Forum. Ambassador Kirk co-chairs the Trade Policy Forum with Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma. Established in July 2005, the Forum is an arrangement between the governments of the United States and India to discuss trade and investment issues. Ambassador Kirk was accompanied by Deputy United States Trade Representative Demetrios Marantis.
While in New Delhi for the Trade Policy Forum, Ambassador Kirk held meetings with Indian business leaders and with Indian and United States officials on the ground. He travels now to Hangzhou, China to co-chair the 20th session of the US-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT).
See pictures from today below.
Ambassador Kirk with India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Anand Sharma, and Gaitri I. Kumar, Joint Secretary (Americas) of India's Ministry of External Affairs.
The U.S. delegation sits down with counterparts for the closing session of the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum, co-chaired by United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk.
Deputy USTR Demetrios Marantis with U.S. Undersecretary of Agriculture Jim Miller in advance of the US-India Trade Policy Forum meetings.
Ambassador Ron Kirk at a breakfast with Indian business leaders from the Confederation of Indian Industries.
10/19/2009 - 5:38pm
Every week, the USTR website explores a new trade topic, with background information and current trade data. This week's trade topic focuses on the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 (HOPE II).
Late last week, the White House announced that Haiti will continue to be eligible for the benefits of the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 (HOPE II), which allows duty-free access to the U.S. market for certain Haitian-made apparel and other articles, with the goals of fostering stability and economic development in Haiti.
The HOPE II Act was enacted in 2008 as a continuation and expansion of the original HOPE Act of 2006. These agreements acted as extensions of the benefits provided by the Caribbean Basin Initiative trade programs. HOPE II provides for duty-free access for up to 70 million square meter equivalents (SME) of knit apparel (with some t-shirt and sweatshirt exclusions) and 70 million SMEs of woven apparel without regard to the country of origin of the fabric or components, as long as the apparel is wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti. HOPE II provides for duty-free treatment of knit or woven apparel under a "three for one" earned import allowance program: for every three SMEs of qualifying fabric (sourced from the United States or certain trade partner countries) shipped to Haiti for production of apparel, qualifying apparel producers may export duty-free from Haiti or the Dominican Republic to the United States one SME of apparel wholly-formed or knit-to-shape in Haiti regardless of the source of the fabric. HOPE II also provides for duty-free treatment for certain brassieres, luggage, headgear, and certain sleepwear. HOPE II allows these Haitian goods to enter the United States duty-free if shipped either directly from Haiti or through the Dominican Republic.
Under the 2008 legislation, to receive the benefits Haiti was required to establish an independent labor ombudsman's office and a program operated by the International Labor Organization to assess compliance with core labor rights and Haiti's labor laws in the country's apparel factories. Haiti also had to agree to require Haitian producers that wish to be eligible for duty-free treatment under HOPE II to participate in the ILO program and to develop a system to ensure such participation.
Haiti is currently our 90th largest goods trading partner with $1.4 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2008. Goods exports totaled $944 million; Goods imports totaled $450 million. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Haiti was $494 million in 2008.
10/19/2009 - 3:31pm
Earlier today, Kirk hosted the 2009 meeting of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Free Trade Commission with Gerardo Ruiz Mateos, Mexico's Secretary of Economy, and the Honorable Stockwell Day, Canada's Minister of International Trade.
After the trilateral, the three ministers released a joint statement, which outlines the overall results of today's meeting. You can read the full statement here.
10/19/2009 - 12:01pm
This morning Ambassador Ron Kirk opened the 2009 meeting of the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Free Trade Commission.
During the meeting, Ambassador Kirk, Canada's Trade Minister Stockwell Day and Mexico 's Secretary of the Economy Gerardo Ruiz Mateos discussed ways to ensure that the benefits of our trilateral trade and economic relationship are widely shared and sustainable.
NAFTA entered into force in 1994. Since then trade among the NAFTA countries has more than tripled from $297 billion to $941 billion. Each day the NAFTA countries conduct nearly $2.6 billion in trilateral trade.
10/17/2009 - 1:58pm
As part of the Obama Administration's focus on encouraging volunteerism, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk accompanied President Obama to Texas A&M University in Bryan College Station, Texas to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Points of Light Institute.
While at Texas A&M, Ambassador Kirk participated in the Presidential Forum on Service where he discussed his volunteer experiences and encouraged people to use volunteerism to make a difference in the lives of others. The panelists included Ambassador Kirk; former Senator Sam Nunn, Melody Barnes, director of the Domestic Policy council, and Jean Case, CEO of the Case Foundation. The panel was moderated by Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of the Aspen Institute and former head of CNN and editor of TIME. To find volunteer opportunities near you, please visit www.serve.gov.
After leaving Texas A&M University, Ambassador Kirk traveled to Dallas, Texas where he served as the keynote speaker at The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce's 83rd Annual Awards Gala.
10/16/2009 - 3:35pm
A group of 10 USTR staffers spent the morning at Martha's Table volunteering to help at-risk individuals in the Washington, DC area. USTR encourages all employees to volunteer, and seeks to bring workers together to spend time helping local D.C. residents.
Martha's Table's mission is to help at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in our community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing, and enrichment opportunities. Today, USTR staffers spent their time working in the kitchen, sorting clothes at the organizations' shop, and helping to clean food preparation areas.
President Obama has called on Americans to build a new foundation for our country through service to their communities. Today, Ambassador Ron Kirk participated in a panel discussion in College Station, Texas, on "The Future of Service." USTR urges all visitors to our website to look for service opportunities and share their stories of volunteer service at www.serve.gov.
10/16/2009 - 9:47am
We recently received a question about importing specific goods from Africa. Willie from Georgia writes:
"Hello Mr. Kirk, My question is that I would like to purchase organic personal care products from Africa. Would organic personal care products qualify for any of the duty free or reduced rate programs? If so what would I have to do in order to receive the duty free or reduce rate when I order products from suppliers?"
Ambassador Kirk's response:
"Willie,
It is very likely that the products that you would be importing are eligible for duty-free treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) from participating countries. Under AGOA, over 98 percent of all imports from sub-Saharan Africa are eligible to enter the United States duty-free, but coverage varies by product and country. I suggest you consult the AGOA website: www.agoa.gov where you can find more information about the products you wish to import. You can even search by keyword to determine the AGOA-eligibility of a specific product.
AGOA provides duty-free import of goods made in eligible sub-Saharan African countries. AGOA has enhanced the U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa trade and investment relationship by spawning jobs, investment, and economic growth in Africa, and helped to diversify our trade with the continent, including increasing amounts of jewelry, fruits and nuts, fruit juices, leather products, plastic products, and processed cocoa products.
Importantly, AGOA has also helped spark opportunities for U.S. businesses. Africans are seeking U.S. inputs, expertise, and joint venture partnerships, resulting in increased U.S. exports and investment. Forty sub-Saharan African countries are currently eligible for AGOA."
Thank you for continuing our dialogue on trade. Please keep submitting your questions and comments for the Ambassador.
10/15/2009 - 6:45pm
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk met today with Australian Minister of Trade Simon Crean to review progress under the United States - Australian Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This was the fourth review of implementation of the agreement, which went into effect in 2005.
"The United States and Australia enjoy a strong and vibrant economic partnership, and the FTA remains a cornerstone in our economic relationship. This Agreement provides a platform for expanding trade and investment ties as well as fostering deeper cooperation on other economic issues where we share common goals," Ambassador Kirk said. "Today we had the opportunity to take stock of the progress under the FTA and we are pleased that the Agreement continues to contribute to economic growth and new opportunities for businesses, farmers, ranchers, and workers in both countries."
During the meeting Ambassador Kirk and Minister Crean reviewed the implementation and operation of the FTA. They discussed in detail a range of issues covered by the agreement, including agriculture, intellectual property rights, and investment, labor and environment issues. In addition, USTR Kirk and Minister Crean also agreed to start a dialogue on ways in which the two countries can collaborate on a number of issues covered under the Environment Chapter. On multilateral issues, Ambassador Kirk emphasized the United States' resolve to achieve an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the WTO Doha Round. They also discussed advancing a bold agenda at the November Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers' and Leaders' meetings, as well as other regional economic developments.
10/15/2009 - 4:26pm
Ambassador Kirk met today with Panamanian Commerce and Industry Minister Roberto Henriquez. They discussed outstanding issues with the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement (Panama TPA) and the agreement's potential to enhance and strengthen our already strong relationship and create new opportunities for workers, farmers, businesses, and consumers in both countries.
The Panama TPA includes important provisions relating to customs administration and trade facilitation, government procurement, telecommunications, intellectual property rights, labor, and environment, which would help commerce flow more efficiently and effectively. Both countries are working together to address outstanding labor and tax transparency issues.
Panama is a growing market for U.S. products and an ally. Total goods trade between the United States and Panama was $5.3 billion in 2008.
10/13/2009 - 6:09pm
Ambassador Kirk and Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma met today to discuss a range of issues that will be taken up in the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting in India on October 26.
The TPF is the main policy tool for the bilateral trade agenda, and the United States and India are working together to create greater opportunities for trade and investment. Also in that light, Ambassador Kirk and Minister Sharma acknowledged the productive Doha Round discussions that took place last week in Paris.
10/13/2009 - 5:58pm
Ambassador Kirk met today with Colombian Trade Minister Luis Guillermo Plata to discuss matters relating to the pending U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement.
Under this comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) Colombia committed to eliminated most of its tariffs on U.S. exports upon entry into force, with all remaining tariffs phased out over defined time periods. President Obama tasked Ambassador Kirk with seeking a path to address outstanding issues surrounding the Colombia FTA.
On July 29 USTR published a request for public comment on the Colombia FTA which elicited nearly 300 responses.
10/13/2009 - 5:50pm
Ambassador Kirk and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson along with Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee (TEPAC) Chair Jerry Block, convened the second meeting of TEPAC since the beginning of the Obama Administration.
Jerry Block thanked the Administration for tackling tough trade and environmental issues facing the international community, specifically climate change and the need to promote environmentally beneficial goods and services. For USTR, Ambassador Kirk provided an overview of issues surrounding the Doha Round of negotiations in the World Trade Organization, pending bilateral free trade agreements, and USTR efforts on climate change. These include work to improve outreach and transparency, as well as the development of a strategy for greater engagement with all other agencies with parallel environmental issues and goals.
Administrator Jackson and Ambassador Kirk spent a little more than an hour with the group, answering questions and sharing goals for international trade and the environment.
10/13/2009 - 3:11pm
Ambassador Kirk is meeting with Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma this afternoon. In preparation for this meeting, Ambassador Kirk recorded a short video about U.S.-India trade relations. Watch the video below.
Read Ambassador Kirk's remarks below.
"Despite our distance, India and America have much in common. We share a Democratic lineage and a cross-cultural respect for freedom and self-government.
India has distinguished itself with rich cultural traditions and is fast becoming a global leader, as well as a steadfast ally.
India is also one of our largest and most important trading partners. In 2008, the total value of goods traded between India and the United States totaled $41 Billion.
But I know that number can be higher. By improving market access to India, we can create new jobs in America. And trade liberalization with India would permit increased American Foreign Direct Investment, to the benefit of both India and America.
I am working with Indian leaders to realize these opportunities.
This week I will be meeting with Minister Sharma to discuss relevant bilateral and multilateral trade and investment issues, as we prepare for the upcoming Trade Policy Forum. In particular, the bilateral investment treaty will facilitate benefits for both countries.
This will be the latest in a series of productive meetings. In September, I traveled to India for a meeting of trade ministers to find a way forward on the Doha Development agenda.
And I am committed to finding new approaches to the Doha negotiations.
I look forward to working closely with Minister Sharma. Because I know that we share a desire to build on the progress that's been made.
We won't agree on every option, but I am optimistic that together we will be able to find imaginative solutions.
The Doha round promises meaningful market access and enhanced trade flows. That is why it is so crucial that these talks succeed.
And I am sure that our shared perspectives will enable India and America to make progress in our bilateral and multilateral endeavors."
10/13/2009 - 12:33pm
This morning, Ambassador Kirk spoke at the Coalition of Service Industries Summit. Services are the main driver of U.S. economic and global growth - accounting for more than 75% of the domestic economy, but representing only 30% of our international trade.
Ambassador Kirk spoke about the potential of services in the global economy and what USTR is doing to grow the service industry internationally.
"The mission of USTR is to help those companies and their workers do even more.
First things first, we are going to do a better job of figuring out where American businesses and entrepreneurs most need our help. When I took on the job of United States Trade Representative, I was surprised to discover that the United States lacks significant information on small and medium sized service-sector enterprises in the global marketplace.
That knowledge might not help us to fix every problem, but it can certainly help us to figure out where problems exist. So I have asked the International Trade Commission to undertake a series of studies on the role of small and medium sized businesses in services trade. We will use the outcome of those studies to target our efforts where they will have the most impact for the most Americans.
...In order to create new service sector jobs here at home, we need trade agreements that will enable American companies to meet global demand for both goods and services. Increasingly, those goods and services go hand-in-hand.
The iPhone, MP3 players and GPS devices, for example, became phenomenal successes because they combined great hardware with a seamless set of services. And we can help more American companies to capitalize on the synergy of goods and services by pursuing a global consensus on the growing importance of services trade and the accompanying need for fair, effective regulation.
If given the opportunity, American entrepreneurs are ready to reach any market, anywhere in the world. But unfortunately, at too many borders, the door of opportunity is still closed. That's not to say we haven't made progress - the world's leading economies have made solid commitments to services liberalization through the WTO system - but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Some of the largest emerging markets are still walled off to services trade by regulations that restrict foreign competition and tilt the playing field in favor of domestic champions. Often, these policies are unwritten and unspoken, making it all the more difficult for American companies, particularly smaller enterprises, to overcome the challenges to doing business.
We are taking concrete steps to address those barriers because a robust services trade is not only good for America. It is also good for the world. Access to efficient infrastructure services is a key ingredient in economic development for the some of the world's poorest nations, and a critical component of continued growth in the world's most developed states. And it can also be a boon to the world's poorest residents. For example, the ability of millions of small farmers to access market and weather information through new mobile networks, or to access new capital through enhanced financial services, is bringing new efficiency and productivity to the agriculture sector and transforming millions of lives."
You can read the full remarks, as prepared for delivery, here.
10/13/2009 - 9:30am
On October 14 in Washington, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk will host the second meeting of the Trade and Investment Council established by the United States - Ukraine Trade and Investment Cooperation Agreement (TICA). Ukrainian Minister of Economy Bohdan Danylyshyn will lead a delegation of senior Ukrainian officials at the meeting.
Ukraine is the United States' second largest export market in the former Soviet Union, with U.S. exports reaching $1.9 billion in 2008. Total two-way trade in 2008 totaled $4.2 billion, up by almost 40 percent over the previous year. Although in the first half of 2009 trade has slowed due to the contraction of Ukraine's economy and downturn in Ukraine's export markets for steel and chemicals, Ukraine offers vast amounts of potential as a market for American goods, services, and investment. U.S. companies have invested more than $1.5 billion in Ukraine, in sectors ranging from electricity generation to agricultural processing and consumer goods.
The United States and Ukraine signed a TICA in March 2008 to serve as a framework for expanding and managing bilateral trade and investment relations. The Council, which held its inaugural meeting in Kiev in October 2008, has focused on steps to improve bilateral trade flows and the investment and business climate in Ukraine.
The agenda for the Trade and Investment Council meeting on October 14 is expected to include issues related to the development of bilateral cooperation in areas including: trade, economic cooperation, financial issues, investment, agriculture, innovation, intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, transport, customs, taxation, technical regulations and consumer policy. The Council will also aim to identify areas for further development of partnerships of mutual interest.
For more information please consult the ustr.gov Ukraine page.
10/09/2009 - 5:27pm
Senior Representatives of the Governments of the United States and Afghanistan met at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in Washington today for the fourth meeting of the United States-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Council, the implementing body of the U.S.-Afghanistan Trade and Investment Agreement (TIFA) that was signed by both countries in 2004.
Today's meeting demonstrates the continuing close cooperation between Afghanistan and the United States on economic, trade, and investment issues. It manifests the importance both countries place on strengthening a long-term relationship and strategic partnership that broadens our cooperation beyond military and security ties to programs that promote the private sector and economic development.
Over the long term, solid economic, trade, and investment policies will create jobs, boost investment, and build sustainable development.
The TIFA process also supports our objective of building closer people-to-people ties between our countries. Our discussion built on issues discussed and commitments made at the May 6-7 U.S.-Afghanistan-Pakistan Trilateral meetings in Washington, as well as the last U.S.-Afghanistan TIFA meeting in Kabul in October 2008.
You can read more details about the meeting here.
10/08/2009 - 5:29pm
United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk today hosted economic and trade ministers from six countries for the fifth meeting of the United States-Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Council. Attendees included delegations from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, all of which are parties to the United States-Central Asia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). A delegation from Afghanistan also attended the meeting, participating as observers.
Participants also included officials from numerous other U.S. Government agencies, including the Department of Commerce, Department of State, Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the U.S. Forest Service. This breadth of participation is an indication of the broad-based commitment the Administration is making to deepen U.S. relationships in the region. This commitment was emphasized when Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke joined Ambassador Kirk for a portion of the discussions with the Ministers.
After meeting, Ambassador Kirk said, "America made a commitment to this TIFA in 2004, years before I became the Trade Representative, and I maintain that commitment today. I want to take our commitment one step further, because I believe that this TIFA has tremendous potential, most of which remains unrealized. We need to take steps toward realizing that potential. And we have already begun to do so."
"The U.S.-Central Asia TIFA process represents an important forum for building America's trade and investment relationships with Central Asian nations," Ambassador Kirk added. "Central Asia is already an important market for many U.S. exporters and energy companies. My Central Asian counterparts and I are eager to build on that foundation."
To that end, Ambassador Kirk and the six ministers worked to develop new solutions to expand trade and investment among the TIFA countries, emphasizing the importance of reducing or eliminating barriers to trade and facilitating cross-border transactions. In their discussions, the ministers agreed to new mechanisms that will increase the trade-enhancing benefits of the TIFA. These mechanisms include a new mid-year meeting of a regional TIFA Working Group to maintain consistent dialogue on TIFA issues and press ahead with regional cooperation, as well as new bilateral dialogues between the United States and each of the Central Asian TIFA partners. These bilateral dialogues recognize the unique nature of each country in the region and present an opportunity for the United States and its TIFA partners to focus on interests and issues on a country-specific basis.
In addition to today's TIFA meeting, USTR partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce which hosted a public-private conference on U.S.-Central Asia trade and investment on Wednesday, October 7, titled "Silk Road Trade and Investment: New Pathways for U.S.-Central Asia Economic Ties". The event featured remarks by Deputy USTR Demetrios Marantis. Those remarks can be found here.
10/08/2009 - 5:01pm
Ambassador Kirk met today with French Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Bruno Le Maire.
They discussed issues related to U.S.-French bilateral trade in agricultural products, including sanitary and phytosanitary barriers to trade and European Union approval of biotechnology products.
10/08/2009 - 4:19pm
Ambassador Kirk met today with Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Hirotaka Akamatsu along with other senior officials from Japan.
Ambassador Kirk congratulated Minister Akamatsu on his new position and expressed his strong desire to work together constructively. Key among issues discussed was the shared commitment to achieving an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the WTO Doha Development Agenda. Regarding bilateral trade, Ambassador Kirk reiterated the importance the Obama Administration places on securing access to the Japanese beef market in a matter consistent to international standards.
10/08/2009 - 11:07am
Brian from Virginia recently asked Ambassador Kirk about the importance of small businesses and their exports from the U.S.
Ambassador Kirk responded:
"That's a great question, Brian. Trade is especially important to U.S. small businesses.
More than a quarter million U.S. firms export goods. 97 percent of these have fewer than 500 employees, and nearly two-thirds have fewer than 20 employees.
Let me give you an example. TowHaul is a small business with fifty employees in Belgrade, Montana. Towhaul designs and manufactures custom trailers and other large pieces of equipment used in the mining operations. Travel thousands of miles from Belgrade to Canada, Namibia, Chile, Russia, or a dozen other countries around the world, and you could see TowHaul's heavy equipment hard at work.
We know that small businesses, like TowHaul, drive the U.S. economy and the best way to get our economy back on track is to provide these businesses access to new markets and a larger consumer base for their products.
Earlier this week, I announced the first steps in a new initiative aimed at increasing exports by small- and medium-sized firms in the United States. I requested an investigation by the International Trade Commission to better understand how many of America's small- and medium-sized enterprises export now, their role in generating employment and economic activity in the U.S., and how increased trading opportunities might benefit these businesses and their workers. I'm also expanding USTR's focus on identifying and increasing opportunities for small- and medium-sized businesses to export both goods and services. I believe that this new effort can ultimately grow jobs here at home as companies sell more goods and services worldwide.
USTR is also working with the Commerce Department and across the government to get small business owners and entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed in the global marketplace. Through the U.S. Commercial Center and local Export Assistance Centers across the country, this administration is making sure that when America's small business owners have questions, they will get answers. We encourage all businesses to visit export.gov to find out more."
Be sure to check back for updates on Ambassador Kirk's initiative, and keep submitting your questions and comments for the Ambassador.
10/06/2009 - 12:18pm
Yesterday, Ambassador Kirk today unveiled the first steps in a new initiative aimed at increasing exports by small- and medium-sized firms in the United States. Watch Ambassador Kirk's opening remarks below.
Read Ambassador Kirk's remarks below.
"America's small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of U.S. employment.
They exist in every city and town from coast to coast. They are often family businesses, employing 500 or fewer workers. And they are crucial to our economic recovery through trade.
These are difficult times for businesses of every size. But small and medium-sized exporters are often bright spots in the overall economy.
They are more likely to grow faster, add jobs more quickly, and pay higher wages.
That is why, this morning, I am announcing a major policy initiative to bolster trade opportunities for America's small and medium-sized enterprises.
Many other government agencies have programs to assist these firms with trade.
But the country's lead trade policy agency, USTR, has never made a significant public commitment to promote the export interests of small and medium-sized businesses.
That changes today.
We can see the potential for small and medium-sized enterprises. We can and will help them to grow their share of trade.
Right now, the numbers say that small businesses account for 97% of American exporters, but only 30% of American exports.
But there is much we do not know about the true role that small and medium-sized businesses can play in job creation and economic growth.
We are formally requesting that the International Trade Commission launch a study of small and medium-sized enterprises.
We want to close the gap between what we know and what we need to know about how best we can help.
Also today, I am establishing a USTR wide working group to explore our existing efforts to help small businesses and identify how we can do more.
Every team in this building will help to determine how we can act right now to make trade policies that are as effective to small and medium sized businesses as they are for big businesses.
And we will figure out how to make our enforcement policies more immediately responsive to these businesses' needs.
There is more to come in this initiative. But this is an important start.
The bottom line is this: USTR's mission is to create economic and trading opportunities for all American firms.
Small and medium-sized businesses are ready to take advantage of those opportunities, and we are ready to help them."
10/06/2009 - 8:59am
Every week, the USTR website explores a new trade topic, with background information and current trade data. This week Ambassador Kirk will host US-Central Asia TIFA Council Meeting. This week's trade topic focuses on trade with the Central Asia Region.
The United States Trade Representative shares a commitment to work with the governments of the Central Asia to expand opportunities for trade and investment in the region. In 2004, the United States entered into a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with these partners.
On October 8, 2009, Ambassador Kirk will host the fourth annual Trade and Investment Framework (TIFA) Council meeting in Washington, D.C. with his counterparts from five Central Asian countries - Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. Afghanistan will participate as an observer. As part of its TIFA efforts, USTR is also working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to organize an October 7 public-private conference on U.S.-Central Asian trade and investment, entitled "Silk Road Trade and Investment: New Pathways for U.S.-Central Asia Economic Ties." The event will feature keynote remarks by Deputy USTR Demetrios Marantis. For more information on this conference, please follow this link.
The U.S.-Central Asia TIFA process represents an important avenue to further our trade and investment relationship, with the objective of benefiting both the United States and our Central Asian partners. Central Asia is already an important market for U.S. energy companies and manufacturers of autos and heavy machinery. Other U.S. goods and services exporters see real promise in the region.
The United States also has extended Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) benefits to the region's eligible beneficiary developing countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan). We are prepared to explore GSP eligibility with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan as well.
To make sure U.S. investors secure the best job-creating opportunities in Central Asia, the United States currently has Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) in force with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, and has signed a BIT with Uzbekistan, which has not yet entered into force.
In addition to the economic benefits in this region, Central Asian countries are also critical contributors to allied efforts in Afghanistan. The Central Asian countries' contribution includes expanding cross border trade and transport links with Afghanistan, and supporting U.S. transit and logistical requirements.
For further information, please consult the USTR.gov Central Asia page here.
10/05/2009 - 4:57pm
Ambassador Kirk met today with New Zealand's Minister of Trade and Climate Change Issues, Tim Groser. The Honorable Phil Goff, leader of the opposition Labour Party also joined the meeting along with other senior officials from New Zealand. Minister Groser is visiting Washington for the U.S.-New Zealand 2009 Partnership Forum as part of a large delegation of New Zealand's senior government officials, Members of Parliament and private sector leaders. Ambassador Kirk and Minister Groser exchanged views on the strength of the U.S.-New Zealand bilateral trade relationship and discussed ways to further cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Key among issues discussed was the shared commitment to achieving an ambitious and balanced conclusion to the WTO Doha Round in 2010, and working together to ensure ambitious outcomes in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in 2009. Also of importance to both officials were issues related to the environment, including initiatives the United States is pursuing in the WTO and APEC to liberalize trade and eliminate barriers to environmental goods and services, including climate-friendly technologies.
10/05/2009 - 12:18pm
Reaction to Announcement of USTR Initiative for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses
Earlier today, Ambassador Kirk announced a new USTR initiative to boost trade opportunities for America's small- and medium-sized businesses. Please see here one statement issued following Ambassador Kirk's announcement:
Changes increase exporting opportunities for small business
10/02/2009 - 4:04pm
Ambassador Kirk met this morning with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem to discuss a range of bilateral trade and investment issues. Deputy Prime Minister Khiem is visiting Washington to meet with Obama Administration officials and business groups in an effort to continue to advance U.S - Vietnam relations. Ambassador Kirk and Deputy Prime Minister Khiem reviewed the dynamic and growing trade and investment relationship between the two countries, and in particular their mutual interest in maintaining momentum in discussions toward a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). A BIT would provide additional protections for U.S. businesses investing in Vietnam and would create additional opportunities in the Vietnamese market for the U.S.. Ambassador Kirk also highlighted the importance of improving intellectual property rights protection in Vietnam. The U.S. and Vietnam coordinate closely on trade matters under the bilateral Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, signed in 2007.
10/01/2009 - 5:50pm
Ambassador Kirk met this afternoon with South African Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies, who was in Washington to attend the U.S.-Africa Business Summit. At the Summit, Ambassador. Kirk and Minister Davies served together on a panel that discussed U.S.-Africa trade and investment.
Afterwards they met to discuss issues related to bilateral U.S.-South Africa trade, including South Africa's participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) preferential trade program. They also discussed the WTO's ongoing Doha Round negotiations.