The United States commends Australia’s sound macroeconomic policies, which have contributed to its strong economic performance over the past decade.  

Statements by the United States at the Meeting of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body

Statement by the United States at the Meeting of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.

I would like to use today’s meeting to highlight the importance of meaningful WTO reform to the United States given the publication this past weekend of the U.S. President’s Trade Policy Agenda. This important report provides direct guidance to me and the rest of the Executive Branch in the U.S. Government on trade policy priorities.

The United States will do our part to continue to be pragmatic, and yes, flexible.

Ambassador Shea: ” The good news is that the United States sees potential for a more responsive and effective WTO, and we are hard at work to help guide the organization toward realizing that potential.

We would like to thank our Swiss hosts for organizing this informal gathering. The United States remains focused on making the most of the WTO.

Ambassador Shea: “The United States has been glad to be on the leading edge of that effort.  Our text proposal, circulated last April, is focused on high standard rules that address real-world barriers to digital trade.”

The United States associates itself with the joint statement on fisheries subsidies as delivered by Argentina. I want to use my time today to offer views on five key elements where the WTO must take action as we move toward MC12.

Statements by the United States at the Meeting of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body Delivered by Ambassador Dennis Shea, U.S. Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization Geneva, November 22, 2019 NOTE: Only item 4 was delivered by Ambassador Shea. The other statements in this document were delivered at staff level. Read the Statements (PDF 274 KB) …

Ambassador Dennis Shea: “In September 2016, at their summit in Hangzhou, China, G20 Leaders called for the establishment of a Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity.”

The United States commends Peru for its continued implementation of sound economic policies, which have led to sustained economic growth, even during times of global economic headwinds.

The United States continues to believe that all WTO Members should be prepared to agree to a permanent moratorium on customs duties on digital transmissions.

We thank the Facilitator, Ambassador David Walker, for his considerable efforts to date and for his report to Members.

In the United States, cotton is a vital part of many rural communities across America, and the benefits extend far beyond farming families.

Statement by the United States at the July 22, 2019, meeting of the WTO Dispute Settlement Body.

Canada is a good neighbor and key trading partner, and its trade regime continues to be of keen interest to the United States.  The United States is by far Canada’s number one trading partner, accounting for 75.1 percent of Canada’s merchandise goods exports and over half of its goods imports, as noted in the Secretariat’s …

“For the sake of clarity, let me begin by repeating what I said at last December’s General Council meeting: if WTO Members say that we support a rules-based trading system, then the Appellate Body must follow the rules we all agreed to.”

“I want to thank you, Director General for reminding all of us of the re-commitment our Ministers made during MC-11 to our existing notification obligations under the Subsidies Agreement.”

Ambassador Shea: “We would like to begin by congratulating Samoa on its first WTO Trade Policy Review.”

Ambassador Shea: “I am pleased to join you today because this negotiation has the potential to be a real game-changer. The fisheries subsidies negotiations represent a potentially pivotal opportunity for the WTO to demonstrate that its negotiating arm remains strong, and that the organization can develop new rules that have a real-world impact not only …

The United States is delighted to welcome the distinguished delegation from Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda, as well as the Secretariat of the EAC, to this third review of the trade policies and practices of the East African Community.

The United States recognizes the great strides made by several WTO Members since the establishment of the WTO in raising standards of living, increasing real income, and expanding production and trade – goals set out in the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO.

Ambassador Dennis Shea: “This negotiation is an opportunity for a large group of countries to work together to combat these digital trade barriers.”

Much has changed in Ecuador since its last TPR in November 2011, and the United States commends Ecuador for all that it has since achieved.  Important steps have been taken by the government of Ecuador to integrate its economy into the global trading system.

“The United States recognizes the great strides made by several WTO Members since the establishment of the WTO in raising standards of living, increasing real income, and expanding production and trade – goals set out in the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO.”

“We appreciated the acknowledgement from so many that the United States maintains one of the most open economies in the world.”

Ambassador Shea: “The United States fully supports your ‘January-July 2019 Work Program’ and we agree with your assessment of the need to shift into a new mode of work when we return from the holiday break.”

We first would like to note that the United States is committed to maintaining strong engagement with the members of the Pacific Islands Forum as part of our Indo-Pacific Strategy.