House Ways and Means Committee Holds Hearing on 2020 Trade Policy Agenda

Recently, the House Ways and Means Committee held a hearing highlighting the 2020 trade policy agenda. The Committee began with a review of one of the most significant trade developments in 2019: the bipartisan signing of the United States-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement that revises the North American Trade Agreement (NAFTA). United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Robert Lighthizer then delivered testimony highlighting that President Trump will continue to pursue new trade agreements, aggressively enforce trade laws, respond to unfair trade practices by other nations, and work toward reform at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Lighthizer did not advocate the complete withdrawal from the WTO, however during his tenure as USTR since 2017, the administration has not filled several vacancies at the organization.
 
The U.S. is also in the process of negotiating a trade agreement with the United Kingdom which includes a review of public comments, a public hearing, and extensive consultations with congressional and trade advisory committees. A new trade relationship with Kenya is also a key priority for the administration.
 
Other notable plans for U.S. trade policy in 2020 include rebalancing a trade relationship with the European Union and work towards more comprehensive agreements with Japan and China. More broadly, the Trump administration’s biggest priorities are focused on American protectionism in terms of American business and workers. The administration seeks to increase job growth, especially in manufacturing and farming to that end.
 
To watch the hearing and read the testimony, please visit: https://waysandmeans.house.gov/legislation/hearings/2020-trade-policy-agenda.