US Trade Representative Katherine Tai speaks during a discussion, at the Geneva Graduate Institute on the role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the global economy, in Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP)
“Let me begin by affirming the United States continued commitment to the WTO. The Biden-Harris administration believes that trade and the WTO can be a force for good that encourages a race to the top and addresses global challenges as they arise.”
— Katherine Tai, U.S. Trade Rep.
The Biden administration said it’s committed to the World Trade Organization, but reaffirmed previous U.S. criticisms of its dispute settlement system. U.S. Trade Rep. Katherine Tai said Washington wants the WTO to succeed and is willing to come to an agreement on multiple disputes regarding trade and health proposals.
“We all recognize the importance of the WTO and we all wanted to succeed,” she stated. “We understand the value of a forum where we can propose ideas to improve multilateral trade rules.”
"The Biden-Harris Administration believes that trade – and the @WTO – can be a force for good that encourages a race to the top and addresses global challenges as they arise."
Watch my full speech about the WTO at the @GTP_Trade: https://t.co/zRIwhm1npg
— Ambassador Katherine Tai (@AmbassadorTai) October 15, 2021
The organization’s top dispute settlement panel has been stagnant since December 2019 after then-President Donald Trump blocked the appointment of new judges to the body. Trump argued the panel’s rules work against America’s interests and said the U.S. will block any new actions until new rules are drafted.
“It is also essential to bring vitality back to the WTO’s negotiating functions,” the Trade Rep. continued. “A key stumbling block is doubt that negotiations lead to rules that benefit or apply to everyone.
Additionally, Tai largely enforced that same ‘America First’ agenda.
“Every trade minister that I have heard from has expressed the view that the WTO needs reform,” she stated. “The organization has rightfully been accused of existing in a bubble, isolated from reality, and slow to recognize global development. That must change.”
Tai’s comments come ahead of a major meeting next month with the WTO hoping to make reforms and broker its first multi-lateral trade deal since 2013.
Source: One America News Network
