China defends export restrictions Nov 6, 2009
"Working together with the European Union and Mexico, we tried to resolve this issue through consultations, but did not succeed," said Debbie Mesloh, a spokeswoman for the office of the United States Trade Representative. The products being disputed actually form a very small percentage of Sino-US and Sino-EU trade. (BBC News -- Americas)
WTO panel asked to rule on China raw materials Nov 5, 2009
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said in a statement that the raw materials are "critical to U.S. manufacturers and workers.". The USTR also said that the European Union and Mexico are joining the United States in requesting the establishment of a WTO dispute settlement panel regarding this matter. (Xinhuanet, China)
China to investigate U.S. car subsidies Oct 29, 2009
China had notified the US it had received anti-dumping and countervailing duty petitions on cars, a spokeswoman for the United States Trade Representative said. World Trade Organisation rules require China to invite the US to consult on the countervailing duty petition before initiating any investigation in an effort to find a resolution to the concerns. (CNN -- International)
US eyes free trade pact with ASEAN Oct 10, 2009
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Wyo native earns WTO nomination Sep 21, 2009
Then from 1995-96, he was a Senior Policy Advisor at the Office of the United States Trade Representative ... Punke's nomination follows the recent departure of ambassador Peter Allgeier, who has served as ambassador to the WTO since 2005 and in the Office of the United States Trade Representative since 1980. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Obama: Don't Reward French Cheating With Taxpayer Money Sep 18, 2009
Recently, the World Trade Organization (WTO) which serves as the international referee in free-trade disputes ruled on a case the United States Trade Representative brought back in 2006 against European Union (EU) governments for their illegal subsidies of France-based Airbus industries. France and the EU have pursued an industrial policy of propping up Airbus and its parent company with billions of dollars worth of risk-free, government-backed loans (known as launch aid). (Townhall.com)
USW Supports the President's Enforcement of Trade Laws Sep 12, 2009
The Office of the United States Trade Representative, after hearings and an interagency review, made a confidential recommendation to the President. The President's action today provides for 3 years of relief with tariffs of 35% the first year, 30% the second and 25% in the third year which the Administration estimates will achieve the same goals as the USW was seeking. (PR Newswire)
US throws down aluminum gauntlet Sep 11, 2009
This confirms that his group had been engaged by Deripaska (personally) to assist him "in the preparation of a US visa application and advocates [sic] for US approval of such application. Endeavor Group also advises on and assists in the execution of commercial transactions." Waldman's filing elaborates on what these are: one, to "interact with the United States Trade Representative Office to encourage US participation in the intra [sic]-governmental global aluminum discussions"; and second, to... (Asia Times Online)
Airbus Loan Fuels EU-US Dispute Aug 18, 2009
"The commitment of launch aid, or any other form of preferential financing, by any of the EU member states would be a major step in the wrong direction," the Office of the United States Trade Representative said on Friday (14 August). "We want to resolve the problem of WTO-inconsistent aircraft subsidies, but the commitment of additional support would make that even harder.". (BusinessWeek)
Ethiopia: Obama's Trade Ambassador on Visit Here Aug 8, 2009
The office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) to which ambassador Kirk is a Principal trade advisor, is responsible for the development and oversight of US trade policy, including strategy, negotiation, implementation and enforcement of multilateral, regional/bilateral and sector-specific trade agreements. Relevant Links. (allAfrica.com)
Africa: High-Level Engagement With Continent Has Started May 23, 2009
Earlier that same day, Carson told his audience, on the 16th anniversary of U.S.-Angolan bilateral relations, United States Trade Representative Ron Kirk signed the U.S.-Angolan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement with Angolan Minister dos Anjos. Carson said, "It is anticipated that Secretary Clinton will be traveling to Kenya to participate in the African Growth and Opportunity Act [AGOA] Forum in early August, and possibly visit other countries as well.". (allAfrica.com)
Obama hurts GOP, sends signal to Beijing May 20, 2009
He served as ambassador to Singapore for Bush senior and as a deputy United States trade representative for Bush junior. Such a high-profile and well-qualified appointment tells the Chinese government the Obama administration considers progress in the China-U.S. relationship of the first importance. (Globe and Mail -- International)
Angola: Country Signs Trade Deal With United States [press release] May 20, 2009
Today, United States Trade Representative Ronald Kirk and Angola Minister of External Affairs Assun;;o 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 ... 2009 United States Trade Representative. (allAfrica.com)
Beijing tickled by Obama's China envoy May 20, 2009
His relationship with the region also includes a stint as ambassador to Singapore under the George H W Bush administration and as a deputy United States trade representative for George W Bush, during which he held trade talks with China. Beijing has responded enthusiastically to the nomination of an envoy with proven sensitivity to Chinese culture and an appreciation of the nation's importance. (Asia Times Online)
Most diverse Cabinet in history still incomplete Apr 20, 2009
United States Trade Representative. Ambassador to the United Nations. (USA Today -- News)
Can Roquefort Survive a 300% Tariff... Apr 1, 2009
When asked why Roquefort was being singled out, the office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) spokeswoman Gretchen Hamel said the intent of the duties was "to shut down trade in the targeted products.". 100% Tariff Not Enough. (Suite101.com)
Joint Statement by American Softwood Lumber Industry and Workers Urging Strong Enforcement of U.S. Trade Laws and Agreements Mar 21, 2009
WASHINGTON, March 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A wide-ranging group of American labor and lumber manufacturer organizations, lumber producers and forest landowners are encouraged that Ron Kirk, the new United States Trade Representative, and Commerce Secretary nominee Gary Locke both have pledged to strongly enforce the U.S. trade laws and trade agreements. The Carpenters Industrial Council, the Forest Landowners Association, the Intermountain Forest Association, along with the Northeastern... (PR Newswire)
Senate Installs Kirk as U.S. Trade Rep Mar 19, 2009
The Senate voted 92-5 on Wednesday to confirm former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk (D) as the United States trade representative. LOG IN NOT A SUBSCRIBER. (Roll Call)
Ron Kirk Confirmed as Trade Rep. Mar 19, 2009
Former Dallas Mayor Ron Kirk has been officially confirmed as President Barack Obama s United States Trade Representative. The confirmation came after Senate testimony in which U.S. Sen. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Confirmation Hearings Set For Former Washington Governor Gary Locke Mar 18, 2009
Amid a crippling recession, the United States' trade relationship with the Far East is more critical than ever, said Sean Spicer, former assistant United States Trade Representative. Outside the Seattle area, Locke has a lower profile than the first two men nominated for the Commerce secretary post. (KIRO TV, WA)
Obama team has billions to spend, but few ready to do it Feb 18, 2009
Obama's choices for United States trade representative and head of the Small Business Administration have not had confirmation hearings scheduled. "In an ideal world, on Day 1 everyone starts," said Lisa Jackson, the Environmental Protection Agency administrator and the only political appointee confirmed at her office. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
