Recent News

Commerce Secretary Locke Meets with Colombian President Uribe
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke met for the first time with Colombian President Álvaro Uribe at the Commerce Department on June 29. Uribe and Locke discussed the importance of trade and commercial relations between the United States and the Republic of Colombia and the strides Colombia has made in improving security conditions, reducing violence and enhancing economic opportunities for its citizens under President Uribe’s leadership, as well as the need for continued progress in these areas.

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USTR Kirk’s Statement Following 2009 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting

View the text of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s June 25 statement at the conclusion of the 2009 OECD Ministerial Council Meeting. While attending the Paris meeting, Ambassador Kirk met with a number of key trade ministers and other leaders to discuss international trade policies and the future of the Doha round of world trade talks. Kirk stated that he and his trade counterparts agreed that nations need trade to aid their recoveries, and that “Open markets can help us fight the economic crisis together.” Noting the importance of the Doha Round discussions in the context of the current international economic situation, the ambassador reiterated in Geneva, at the Cairns Group meeting in Bali, and in Paris “that the United States wants a balanced and ambitious Doha agreement as quickly as possible, with meaningful new market access for all.”

Secretary Locke and USTR Kirk Call on China to Revoke Mandatory Internet Filtering Software

On June 24, Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk sent a joint letter to their counterparts in China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) urging China to revoke a proposed rule (Circular 226) that would mandate that all computers produced and sold in China pre-install a widely-criticized Chinese Internet filtering program called Green Dam. This proposed measure is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2009. The letter points out that the proposed new rule raises fundamental questions regarding regulatory transparency and notes concerns about compliance with WTO rules, such as notification obligations. Locke and Kirk offered China an opportunity to exchange views with U.S. and Chinese government and industry officials on ways in which parental control software can be promoted in the market consistent with the goals of user choice, system reliability, freedom of expression, and the free flow of information.

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Locke Announces First Indian Company to Receive Express Lane Status for U.S.-Indian Trade
Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke announced an important step forward in the strategic partnership between the United States and India during his remarks to the U.S.-India Business Council’s 34th Anniversary “Synergies Summit” on June 17. Locke stated that General Electric India (GE India) has been tapped as the first Indian company to qualify as a validated end-user (VEU) in India, allowing the company to enter a pre-approved, export express lane as a trusted end user. The VEU designation will allow GE India to receive certain controlled items from the United States, including civilian aircraft technology and explosive detection equipment without an individual license, cutting red tape and making the flow of trade more efficient between the countries. That the VEU program was opened for India is an indication of the increased importance of the U.S.-India bilateral and commercial relationship.

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USTR Kirk’s Meeting with Indian Trade Minister Anand Sharma

During their June 17 meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Indian Trade Minister Anand Sharma discussed strengthening the U.S.-India trade relationship. The two first met earlier this month at the 33rd Cairns Group Ministerial meeting in Bali, Indonesia, where they began work on strategies to enhance trade and investment flows between the U.S. and India, and to facilitate greater commercial interaction between U.S. and Indian companies. They committed to continuing high-level interactions on bilateral and multilateral issues – such as the Doha round of world trade talks – on multiple fronts, particularly the U.S.-India Trade Policy Forum. Both trade leaders will consult with public and private stakeholders on how to bring down trade barriers and open markets for exporters.

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USTR Kirk’s Statement on U.S. - Canada Decisions to Recognize Organic Equivalence

On June 17, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk congratulated the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for their decisions to recognize each other's national organic program as equivalent. Ambassador Kirk stated, "This close cooperation is the first of its kind in international organics trade and a real achievement for both countries." The decisions of both national regulatory authorities allow products certified to either U.S. or Canadian standards to be sold or labeled in both countries as organically produced. Under the concurrent equivalence determinations, negotiated by USTR, USDA and CFIA, both the USDA Organic seal and the Canada Organic Biologique logo may be used on certified products from both countries.

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USTR Kirk Announces Plan to Move Forward With Negotiation of Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement

On June 12, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that the Administration plans to move forward with the negotiation of an Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) to step up the fight against global counterfeiting and piracy. Noting that the Administration has been conducting an overall review of current and pending trade agreements, including ACTA, Ambassador Kirk emphasized that ACTA remains an important part of the U.S. trade agenda and, accordingly, the United States is ready to continue negotiations. The participants in the ACTA negotiations will next meet in Morocco in July to continue their discussions with a goal of reaching an agreement in 2010.

U.S., Mongolia Announce Transparency Agreement Negotiations

During their June 11 meeting, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Mongolia Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Sukhbaatar Batbold announced the launch of negotiations for a United States-Mongolia Transparency Agreement. The announcement followed a June 10 meeting held by General Counsel Timothy Reif and Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Timothy Stratford with Minister Batbold.  The launch of the negotiations with Mongolia represents the first time that the United States has sought to conclude a stand-alone agreement on transparency.  During their discussions, U.S. and Mongolian officials noted the importance of transparency with regard to trade and investment policies and practices, and reiterated the importance of bilateral trade and economic relations and their mutual desire to promote trade cooperation through the U.S.-Mongolia Trade and Investment Framework Agreement.

Ambassador Kirk Delivers Keynote Address at U.S.-China Business Council

View the text of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s June 2 remarks to the U.S.-China Business Council. During his address, Kirk discussed the importance of the U.S.-China bilateral trade relationship and the cooperative work of constructing a positive and comprehensive relationship between the U.S. and China. Kirk stated that the U.S. will develop its relationship with China through “direct diplomacy, and strong enforcement of America's rights in the global trading system.” While he restated its commitment to work positively and cooperatively with China, Ambassador Kirk emphasized  that the Administration “…will always put the interests of American businesses and workers at the fore.”

Secretary Locke Meets with Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry Lim

During their initial meeting on June 4, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Singapore Minister of Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang expressed a commitment to strengthening an already robust bilateral commercial relationship, grounded in the extremely successful U.S.-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Since implementation of the FTA in January 2004, two-way trade between the United States and Singapore has increased 41 percent, with U.S. exports increasing nearly 74 percent over the same time period.

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Secretary Locke Meets with Mexican Secretary of Economy Mateos

On June 1, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke hosted Mexican Secretary of Economy Gerardo Ruiz Mateos for their first meeting. Secretary Locke and Secretary Ruiz highlighted the importance of U.S.-Mexico trade relations and the need for continued cooperation in strengthening our competitiveness in the region and removing impediments to trade. They agreed to work together on priorities identified by President Obama and President Calderon during their meeting in April in Mexico City, including border infrastructure, customs facilitation and regulatory cooperation. Regarding Mexican concerns over NAFTA trucking, Secretary Locke reiterated his support for a permanent and NAFTA-consistent solution to this issue, stating “the Administration is committed to finding a timely resolution through legislation for a new program that addresses legitimate congressional concerns and satisfies our NAFTA obligations.”

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USTR Kirk, Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Rachid Discuss U.S.-Egypt Economic Ties

View the text of the USTR press release regarding the May 27 meeting between U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and Egyptian Minister of Trade and Industry Rachid Mohammed Rachid. During their meeting, Kirk and Rachid discussed ways to expand U.S.-Egyptian economic ties, and signed a Plan for a Strategic Partnership, which aims to further promote U.S.-Egypt economic cooperation. They also noted the designation earlier this year, in cooperation with Israel, of two additional Qualifying Industrial Zones in Upper Egypt.

United States and Angola Sign Trade and Investment Framework Agreement

On May 19, U.S. Trade Representative Ronald Kirk and Angola Minister of External Affairs Assunção Afonso de Sousa dos Anjos signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) that will provide a forum to address trade issues and help enhance trade and investment relations between the United States and Angola. Commenting on the signing, Ambassador Kirk said that the United States “look(s) forward to using this TIFA as an opportunity to enhance and diversify the U.S.-Angolan trade and investment relationship.” A United States-Angolan Council on Trade and Investment will be formed under the TIFA to address a wide range of trade and investment issues that include, but are not limited to, trade capacity building, intellectual property and labor. U.S. exports to Angola in 2008 were about $400 million; U.S. imports from Angola were about $4.0 billion, over 95 percent of which is related to the oil and gas sector.

View USTR press release

USTR Kirk Discusses Next Steps on Trade Agenda at U.S. Chamber of Commerce
View the text of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s remarks to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on May 18 regarding the next steps on the USG’s trade agenda. While he noted that the Administration is seeking to finalize the Panama free trade agreement, working to resolve outstanding issues on the Colombia and Korea agreements, and seeking a way forward on the WTO Doha Round, Ambassador Kirk stated that USTR is also crafting new goals for the coming months and years. Kirk also urged support for important trade initiatives on their own merits, and that they not be rejected “for tradition’s sake,” as one element of the Administration’s strategy for fueling America’s future economic growth.

USTR Kirk Announces Agreement With EU in Beef Hormones Dispute
On May 13, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and the European Commission (EC) in the beef hormones dispute.  The agreement, which was signed in Geneva, will provide U.S. producers significant additional access, at zero duty, to the EU market for high-quality beef produced from cattle that have not been treated with growth-promoting hormones.  The EU import quota would be set at 20,000 tons in each of the first three years, and this would increase to 45,000 tons in the fourth year.  Under the MOU, the United States and the EC will seek to use experience gained in the first phase to enter into the second phase.  Before the end of the second phase, they would seek to conclude a follow-on agreement that will extend the arrangement for a number of additional years.  Ambassador Kirk praised the agreement, stating, “… it gives us an opportunity to add the EU to the leading export destinations for high-quality U.S. beef, which will provide a substantial boost for U.S. ranchers and meat packers and their employees.”  View USTR press release

Secretary Locke Meets with Korea Trade Minister Kim Jong-Hoon
Commerce Secretary Gary Locke met for the first time with South Korea Minister for Trade Kim Jong-Hoon at the Commerce Department on May 13. The two officials recognized the importance of the $83 billion in bilateral goods trade in 2008, and expressed support for continuing to deepen cooperation on trade and investment issues. “Korea, with a $1 trillion economy, is our eighth largest export market, and the Department of Commerce is committed to ensuring that U.S. companies can compete and win in this vibrant Asian market,” said Secretary Locke. Secretary Locke and Minister Kim agreed that the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement has the potential to provide significant economic and strategic benefits to both countries, and committed to work together to find a way forward.

View Commerce press release

USTR Kirk’s Press Briefing at WTO Headquarters

View the text of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s May 13 press briefing at WTO headquarters in Geneva. Ambassador Kirk stated that during his meetings at the WTO, he reiterated the Administration’s commitment to successfully concluding the Doha Round, both as an overall response to the current economic crisis and to the “sustenance of many of our least developed countries.” The USG defines success in the Doha Round as “a balanced and ambitious agreement with meaningful market access gains for all involved.” Kirk called on “advanced developing countries, to make the kind of choices that are required for those of us who choose to seek leadership here at the WTO.”

President Obama Proclaims World Trade Week 2009

View the text of President Obama’s proclamation of the week of May 17-23, 2009 as World Trade Week. Noting the opportunity World Trade Week presents to reaffirm trade’s benefits and the United States’ commitment to the “global marketplace that creates good jobs and lifts up American families,” the President stated that “In difficult economic times, it is even more important for American industry to take advantage of every opportunity for export-driven growth.” Stating that his Administration “… will negotiate future trade agreements to create opportunities for all Americans,” he added that the USG “is committed to building on existing trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties in an open and transparent manner.” The Administration is developing a plan of action for pending free trade agreements and is working with U.S. trading partners “to advance a strong market-opening agreement for agriculture, industrial goods, and services through the Doha Development Round and through other negotiations.”

USTR Kirk Welcomes Senate Confirmation of Demetrios Marantis as Deputy U.S. Trade Representative View the text of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s May 6 statement welcoming the Senate’s confirmation of Demetrios Marantis as Deputy United States Trade Representative. Marantis will be responsible for U.S. trade negotiations and enforcement in Asia and Africa. He will also lead USTR global initiatives on trade and development, labor, and the environment. Marantis has extensive trade policy experience. He served most recently as the Chief International Trade Counsel for the Senate Finance Committee, advising Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus and other members of the Committee on trade and economic issues, and previously served at USTR as Associate General Counsel, responsible for provisions in the U.S.-Singapore and U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreements.

United States and EU Reach Provisional Agreement in Beef Dispute
On May 6, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk and EU Trade Commissioner Catherine Ashton agreed in principle on a way forward in the long-running dispute over hormone-treated beef.  The agreement in principle would provide additional duty-free access to the EU market for high-quality beef produced from cattle that have not been treated with growth-promoting hormones – 20,000 tons in the first three years and increasing to 45,000 tons beginning in the fourth year.  Under the agreement, the United States will maintain existing sanctions and will not impose new sanctions on EU products during the initial three-year period, and will eliminate all sanctions during the fourth year.  The two sides will refrain from further litigation at the WTO regarding the EU’s ban on beef treated with certain growth-promoting hormones for at least 18 months.  Before the end of the four-year period, the two sides will seek to conclude a longer-term agreement. View USTR press release

United States-Japan Statement on Kirk - Nikai Meeting
View the text of the USTR press release regarding U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s meeting with Japan Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Toshihiro Nikai on May 4 to discuss a variety of bilateral and multilateral trade-related issues. They agreed that all countries should remain vigilant about their responses to the current financial and economic crisis and reaffirmed that protectionism must be avoided, and agreed to work together closely to achieve a successful Doha Development Round that is both ambitious and balanced. Kirk and Nikai reaffirmed their joint view, shared by other interested countries, on the need for China to withdraw the implementation of its certification rules for government procurement of 13 IT security products -- rules which are inconsistent with international norms.

Secretary Locke Discusses Trade Promotion Agreement with Colombian Minister for Trade

On May 1, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke held his initial meeting with Colombia Minister for Trade, Industry and Tourism Luis Guillermo Plata. During their meeting, Secretary Locke and Minister Plata reaffirmed their governments’ commitmentto move forward on progress towards the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. The two leaders also underscored the importance of building stronger business ties through activities like joint cooperation in trade capacity-building for small- and medium-sized enterprises and good governance programs.
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USTR Kirk’s Statement on WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy’s Reappointment
View the text of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk’s statement welcoming the re-appointment of Pascal Lamy to a second four-year term as WTO director-general. Kirk commented that Lamy’s reappointment will provide “welcome and much-needed continuity at the WTO.” The United States, he said, is looking forward to working with Lamy and other WTO members to grow opportunities “… in a rules-based trading system that works for Americans … and produces new and tangible benefits in which all WTO Members can share.”

USTR Releases 2009 Special 301 Report
USTR released its annual “Special 301” Report on the adequacy and effectiveness of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection by U.S. trading partners on April 30. Significant developments in this year’s Special 301 Report include Canada’s elevation to the Priority Watch List for the first time, as well as the elevation of Algeria and Indonesia. As it did last year, the report highlights the prominence of IPR concerns with respect to China (which is included on the Priority Watch List) and Russia, despite some evidence of improvement in both countries. Of the 77 trading partners reviewed for this year’s list, 12 countries were placed on the Priority Watch List: China, Russia, Algeria, Argentina, Canada, Chile, India, Indonesia, Israel, Pakistan, Thailand, and Venezuela. These countries do not provide an adequate level of IPR protection or enforcement, or market access for persons relying on intellectual property protection. Thirty-three (33) trading partners are on the lower level Watch List, meriting bilateral attention to address the underlying IPR problems. Paraguay will continue to be monitored under Section 306 monitoring under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding that establishes objectives and actions for addressing IPR concerns in that country. The Administration will conduct Out-of-Cycle Reviews for Fiji, Israel, the Philippines, Poland, and Saudi Arabia to monitor progress on specific IPR issues. View USTR press release

Ambassador Kirk’s Statement on China’s Action to Modify Information Security Testing Rules

View the text of USTR Kirk’s April 29 statement welcoming China’s announcement that it has eliminated Information Security testing and certification mandates for information technology products used in the commercial marketplace. He called China’s action “a step in the right direction, reflecting its acknowledgement that mandated information security certification schemes rules are not appropriate for commercial information technology products.” At the same time, Kirk said the Administration “remain(s) very concerned about China’s plans to mandate on May 1, 2010 the information security testing and certification rules for products procured by China’s government in a manner not consistent with global norms.”

Commerce Secretary Locke Meets with China’s Minister of Commerce
On April 27, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke held his first meeting with China Minister of Commerce Chen Deming at the Commerce Department. During their meeting, Secretary Locke and Minister Chen reaffirmed the commitment of both governments to continuing to build a positive and cooperative relationship that strengthens trade and creates jobs in the United States and China. The two leaders underscored the importance of achieving concrete results at the next meeting of the Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade and discussed issues such as increasing U.S. exports to China and the need to avoid protectionism.
View Commerce press release

United States and Peru Discuss Implementation of TPA

Environmental Commitments

U.S. and Peru representatives met April 13-17 in Peru to continue their discussions on the Forest Sector (Logging) Annex to the Environment Chapter of the U.S.-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement (PTPA). The U.S. delegation, led by USTR, held meetings with GOP entities and Regional governments responsible for implementing the PTPA’s commitments under the Annex. In addition, both the U.S. and Peru delegations held their first-ever joint open forum with civil society, including the private sector and non-governmental organizations, to discuss progress made to date and address concerns related to the implementation process. USTR continues to work closely with the Government of Peru to ensure that the environmental obligations under the PTPA are successfully implemented in a transparent manner. The United States looks forward to hosting the next meeting between civil society and government officials from both countries in Washington, D.C. in June.

View USTR press release

Secretary Locke’s Statement on World Intellectual Property Day
View the text of a statement released by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on World Intellectual Property Day. Noting the toll that counterfeiting and piracy are taking on American industry and workers, “costing billions of dollars and thousands of jobs each year,” the Secretary stated, “The Department of Commerce is working to combat this problem through trade agreement compliance, active engagement with foreign leaders, and educational outreach.”

U.S. Trade Representative Kirk Announces Delay of Trade Action in Beef Hormones Dispute
On April 22, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that due to recent signs of progress in negotiations with the EU, the United States is delaying the imposition of additional duties on a modified list of EU products in connection with WTO dispute settlement rulings in the EU – Beef Hormones dispute.  Under a determination announced on January 15, 2009, the additional duties were to go into effect on April 23, 2009. Ambassador Kirk announced that the United States will delay the trade action until May 9, to provide a little more time to negotiate a settlement with the EU. He stated, “The EU has demonstrated seriousness in their efforts to solve this problem, and two additional weeks should be sufficient to establish whether we can address the remaining issues successfully.” View USTR press release

Commerce Secretary Locke Addresses Motion Picture Summit

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke discussed the motion picture industry’s importance to the U.S. economy at the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) Second Biennial Industry Summit on April 21. “Movies and TV shows are direct products of the freedoms we enjoy; that’s part of why they’re so popular around the world,” Locke said. “The Obama administration is well aware of the impact of counterfeiting and piracy on our industries and workers, and we’re working to combat it.” The Secretary commented on the increasing importance of the international market for the film and television industry, noting that approximately 95 percent of the world’s consumers live outside U.S. borders.

View Commerce press release

United States and Mauritius Strengthen Cooperation on Trade and Investment

View the text of the USTR press release regarding the April 21 meeting of U.S. and Mauritian officials to review progress in implementing a workplan developed under the United States – Mauritius Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). This was the third meeting of the high-level TIFA Council created under the 2006 agreement. Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Florizelle Liser and Mauritian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade Arvind Boolell co-led the discussions, which focused on cooperation in the WTO, implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, export diversification, trade and investment promotion, and economic development.

United States and Rwanda Review Progress on Bilateral Trade and Investment

On April 16, U.S. and Rwandan officials met in Kigali to review progress in deepening their partnership on trade and investment under the United States-Rwanda Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. This was the third meeting of the United State-Rwanda TIFA Council, which provides a high-level forum for advancing cooperation on bilateral trade and investment issues. Assistant USTR for Africa Florizelle Liser and Rwandan Trade and Industry Minister Monique Nsanzabaganwa co-chaired the meeting, which examined the two governments’ work together on implementation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act, cooperation in the WTO, trade capacity building, export diversification, trade and investment promotion, and infrastructure issues. Discussions under the TIFA led to negotiations on a United States-Rwanda Bilateral Investment Treaty, which was signed in February 2008. Several leading U.S. companies are currently examining possible investment opportunities in Rwanda in sectors such as energy, information technology, minerals and mining, and agriculture.

View USTR press release

USTR Request for Comments: Canadian Compliance with Softwood Lumber Agreement

View the text of USTR’s Federal Register notice announcing the amount of compensation to be collected on lumber products imported from the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Saskatchewan as an award for U.S. rights denied by Canada under the U.S.-Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement. After a Section 302 investigation, USTR determined that a 10 percent ad valorem duty will be imposed until such time as the United States has collected $54.8 million—the amount determined by an arbitral tribunal. Interested persons are invited to submit comments on the determinations in this investigation, and to participate in a public hearing in the event a hearing is requested. For information on submitting comments, please refer to the Federal Register notice.

Senior U.S. Trade Officials Call for Opening World Markets in Statements on February 2009 Trade Numbers

Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk have issued statements commenting on February 2009 trade data showing that U.S. exports increased by 1.6 percent to $126.8 billion since January 2009 while imports decreased 5.1 percent to $152.7 billion. Overall, the trade deficit shrank 28.3 percent during the same time period. Noting the steps the Administration is taking to create American jobs and jump start local economies, the Secretary stated, “We must continue to increase exports by fostering innovation—a goal in which the Recovery Act makes important investments—and breaking down barriers to U.S. goods and services.” Ambassador Kirk commented, “these numbers reflect the ongoing contraction in world trade overall. This new trade data underscores the need to open more world markets to U.S. farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and service providers, and to work with our trading partners to grow the global trading system again.”

View Secretary Locke’s statement

View USTR Kirk’s statement

United States Imposes Tariffs On Softwood Lumber From Four Canadian Provinces
On April 7, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that the United States is imposing 10 percent ad valorem customs duties on imports of softwood lumber products from four Canadian provinces (Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan).  The United States is exercising its right to take this action in response to Canada’s failure to cure a breach of the 2006 U.S. - Canada Softwood Lumber Agreement and failure to impose the compensatory measures determined by the Tribunal.  These duties will remain in place until such time as the United States has collected $54.8 million. View USTR press release

USTR Releases Summary of Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement Negotiations
On April 6, USTR released a detailed summary of the current state of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) negotiations. The summary, which all of the ACTA negotiating partners drafted, sets out the specific topics under discussion in the negotiations, and reflects the Obama Administration's commitment to transparency. The summary is being shared with stakeholders for review and comment. The objective of the ACTA negotiations is to negotiate a new, state-of-the art agreement to combat counterfeiting and piracy. The United States has been working with several trading partners, including Australia, Canada, the European Union and its 27 member states, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, and Switzerland, to negotiate the agreement. When it is finalized, the ACTA is intended to assist in the efforts of governments around the world to more effectively combat the proliferation of counterfeit and pirated goods. View USTR press release

Ambassador Kirk Announces Results of Annual 1377 Review
U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced the results of the 2009 annual review of the operation and effectiveness of telecommunications trade agreements under Section 1377 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 (“1377 Review”) on April 6. The Report of the 1377 Review identifies barriers facing U.S. telecommunications service and equipment suppliers, evaluates progress toward resolving ongoing problems, and lays out specific telecommunications-related issues on which USTR will focus its monitoring and enforcement efforts this year. This year’s Report focuses on a broad range of concerns, including issues with major suppliers (Australia, Colombia, Germany, India, Mexico, Singapore, and Sweden) when trying to lease parts of an incumbent operator’s network, and transparency and regulatory independence (China, Egypt, Germany, India, Israel, Mexico and South Africa) where independent regulatory agencies need strengthening and whose transparency policies need improvement. In addition to the problems identified in this year’s Report, USTR also marks progress with Oman, which eliminated unreasonably high licensing fees prior to entry into force of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement.  View USTR press release