Washington D.C. – In response to the statement by USTR that the United States would withdraw support for key elements of a digital economy agenda at the World Trade Organization, NFTC President Jake Colvin released the following reaction:
“It’s astonishing to see the United States essentially abdicate its leadership role in writing the digital rules for the global economy and preventing illegal trade discrimination and burdensome barriers against American interests.
“Digitally-enabled trade facilitates more effective access to international markets for American farmers, ranchers, service companies and manufacturers, who rely on the global reach of a range of U.S. technology providers to succeed.
“This decision by the Biden Administration is short-sighted and will cause long-term harm for American businesses of all sizes, as well as innovators and workers who depend on digitally-enabled trade to reach global markets. It’s particularly problematic for small businesses and undermines efforts to support more inclusive access by women and underserved communities to the global marketplace. This move also contradicts widespread calls from both sides of the aisle in Congress for more aggressive U.S. leadership on digital trade.”
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About the NFTC
The National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) is the premier business association advancing trade and tax policies that support access to the global marketplace. Founded in 1914, NFTC promotes an open, rules-based global economy on behalf of a diverse membership of U.S.-based businesses.
