New USTR's First Trade Speech

During his first speech since being confirmed by the Senate on March 18, newly appointed U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk voiced strong support for pursuing an aggressive trade policy and said that the current economic crisis has created a unique opportunity to rethink trade.

Speaking at the Georgetown University Law Center on April 23, Kirk said, “To get our economy back on track, we need to increase exports. That means we need access to growing economies abroad.” The Trade Representative said that the United States is committed to a successful conclusion of the Doha Round of World Trade Organization negotiations. The new administration will continue to push for increased market access for U.S. agricultural exporters and service providers.

The Trade Representative also said that the Obama administration will place a greater emphasis on small business and its strengths in a global market. In his words, “So, if we make trade work for small and medium-sized businesses, we make trade work for America.” He also said, “We can't hide under a bushel … but the truth is, when trade is done right, that jobs do come.”

The text of the Trade Representative's remarks can be found online.

The U.S. Trade Representative's office released the National Trade Estimate report on March 31. The annual report lists significant foreign barriers to U.S. exports and provides, where feasible, quantitative estimates of the impact of those foreign practices on the value of U.S. exports. Information is also included on actions taken to eliminate barriers to trade.

-- Stanley Pfrang