Africa and The Middle East

Analysts make a case for a U.S.-Egypt free trade agreement

(In Trade)
October 09, 2019

“A deep FTA presents clear and desirable advantages to both sides, and it is important to move forward and grasp the opportunity,” a new report says.

Reps. Schneider, Schweikert question Section 232 tariffs on Israel

(In Trade)
September 27, 2019

“We do not believe imports of steel and aluminum from Israel are a threat to U.S. national security and are asking you to explain why Israel has not been granted an exemption.”

Q&A: Laura Lane, president of UPS global public affairs

(In Trade)
August 30, 2019

Lane spoke about China, her push for a WTO plurilateral to combat gender discrimination, and her work on the President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa.

IP coalition raises concerns about South Africa in AGOA eligibility hearing

(In Trade)
August 28, 2019

The group says South Africa is failing to protect U.S. copyrighted work

Congo, citing reforms under new president, seeks restoration of AGOA benefits

(Daily News)
August 28, 2019

The Democratic Republic of Congo is asking the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to restore its benefits under the African Growth Opportunity Act, claiming its new administration has made progress in addressing the political corruption and human rights violations that led USTR to revoke its AGOA eligibility in 2011.

U.S. commits to support African Continental Free Trade Area

(Daily News)
August 05, 2019

The U.S. on Monday pledged to support African countries as they work to implement a continental free trade agreement that entered into force earlier this year.

Deputy USTR Mahoney in Côte d’Ivoire for the 2019 AGOA Forum

(In Trade)
August 05, 2019

The theme this year: “AGOA and the Future:  Developing a New Paradigm to Guide U.S.-Africa Trade and Investment.”

USTR statement on a July 2019 meeting of the joint committee overseeing the U.S.-Morocco Free Trade Agreement

(File Document)
July 30, 2019

Ahead of ITC hearing, U.S. businesses outline opportunities, challenges in Africa

(Daily News)
July 23, 2019

U.S. companies see significant potential for increased trade in Africa despite areas of concern including intellectual property enforcement and digital trade, they said in comments submitted to the U.S. International Trade Commission ahead of a hearing on Wednesday.

July 2019 Congressional Research Service report on the African Growth and Opportunity Act

(File Document)
July 22, 2019

USTR schedules hearing for AGOA benefits eligibility

(In Trade)
July 01, 2019

The hearing is set for Aug. 27.

African Group proposes amendments to DSU to resolve Appellate Body crisis

(In Trade)
June 26, 2019

The proposal calls for more panelists; longer, non-renewable terms; and rulings beyond 90 days “in exceptional circumstances.”

At USTR’s request, ITC launches fact-finding probe into sub-Saharan Africa

(Daily News)
June 14, 2019

The U.S. International Trade Commission on Friday launched a Section 332 investigation examining U.S. trade and investment in sub-Saharan Africa after U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer sent a request to the agency last month.

May 2019 joint statement of the U.S.-Tunisia Trade and Investment Council

(File Document)
June 03, 2019

African free trade agreement enters into force

(In Trade)
May 30, 2019

White House issues executive orders terminating Turkey's GSP benefits, reducing Section 232 steel tariff

(Text Document)
May 17, 2019

White House issues proclamation terminating Turkey's GSP benefits, reducing Section 232 steel tariff

(Text Document)
May 17, 2019

McKinney: USDA preparing data for USTR on several countries eyed for future FTAs

(In Trade)
April 30, 2019

The information covers countries in Southeast Asia, Africa and South America, he said.

U.S., Kenya hold inaugural meeting of bilateral trade and investment working group