Froman Touts Obama Administration Victories in WTO Disputes
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Michael Froman again championed the Obama administration’s dedication to dismantling trade barriers for U.S. exports during an Aug. 12 speech before the Washington Council on International Trade in Seattle. Through bilateral negotiations, the administration has removed…
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almost 200 non-tariff trade barriers for agricultural products, said Froman. “And when it comes to enforcing existing agreements, this administration’s track record has no rival,” said Froman. “Since 2009, we have brought 18 disputes in the WTO and have won every one decided so far.” WTO dispute panel decisions often side with both parties in assessing different aspects of a dispute, as it did in a recent duty dispute involving Indian hot-rolled carbon steel flat products (see 14081205). Froman also encouraged U.S. businesses to ramp up efforts to export goods. “Ninety-eight percent of U.S. exporters are small businesses, but only 1% of U.S. businesses currently export -- which means that there are enormous, untapped opportunities for further growth,” he said.