Congress

President Trump’s decision to re-impose aluminum tariffs on Canada was made for political gain in an election year, a House Democrat who participated in U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement negotiations told Inside U.S. Trade.

“Sunlight remains the ultimate disinfectant, and that is especially true when it comes to our trade policy,” said Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ).

A progressive approach to U.S.-China relations would mean coupling “defensive” actions against Beijing’s economic policies with “offensive” measures to make American companies stronger, a key Capitol Hill trade policy staffer said Wednesday.

USTR: “[W]e still face longstanding trade barriers that restrict market access for U.S. beef and pork products, despite previous commitments by Taiwan to fix these problems.”

The vote was 24-4.

Senate Finance Committee members argued on Wednesday that the World Trade Organization has not properly dealt with Chinese trade practices and has unfairly restricted the use of U.S. trade remedies -- two key areas in which the U.S. has pursued reforms in Geneva.

Sandra Polaski, formerly of the International Labor Organization, and Timothy Beaty, global strategies director with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, will serve on the panel.

A COVID-19 relief proposal introduced by Senate Republicans this week includes language on reducing U.S. reliance on China, facilitating domestic supply chain restoration, semiconductor production and mineral security.

Funds appropriated to implement the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement are not being distributed in a manner consistent with the “spirit” of the deal, a group of Democratic lawmakers said this week, urging the administration to ensure the money is properly allocated.