On Wednesday, United States Trade Ambassador Katherine Tai appeared on Capitol Hill to talk to members of the Senate Finance Committee. They were interested in hearing about several trade issues. Republicans challenged Tai to defend the quiet trade front of the Biden Administration. The Ambassador insists that the President still views trade deals as a priority.
Audio: Profit Matters Program 5-14-21
Ranking Member Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID) pushed Tai on the matter, especially regarding the United Kingdom (UK) and Kenya. Tai countered that trade is very much on the President?s radar.
Ambassador Tai did mention that progress can meet Biden?s ?Build Back Better? plan, once we are through the pandemic. She did not say whether the White House plans to fast-track a deal through with the UK.
Tai also spoke on Chinese tariffs and whether they should be continued. The tariffs are at about $370 billion, and Tai says the Trump-era tariffs are doing more to harm American industry and agriculture.
The United States ? Mexico ? Canada Agreement (USMCA) was also a topic of discussion before the committee. Ambassador Tai says she will follow through on the commitments the United States has made on the trade pact while ensuring that Canada and Mexico do the same.
Tai intimated that there are some issues needing to be addressed, including Mexico?s bans and pending actions on GMO corn and glyphosate-tolerant crops.
