International Trade and Investment
Policy Priorities for 2012
Level the global playing field for American businesses and workers by lowering barriers to trade and investment.
- Lay the groundwork for renewal of the president’s trade negotiating authority.
- Press for a high-standard Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement and accession of additional economies that show sustained commitment to market-opening reforms and a willingness to put all issues on the table.
- Support congressional approval of permanent normal trade relations for Russia and repeal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment with regard to Russia.
- Advocate for a Trans-Atlantic Economic and Trade Pact to eliminate tariffs on U.S.-EU trade; ensure compatible regulatory regimes; and address services, investment, and procurement.
- Support negotiation of a plurilateral agreement to further liberalize trade in services and other sectoral agreements under the aegis of the World Trade Organization (WTO).
- Explore the feasibility of bilateral negotiations for free trade agreements with Brazil, Egypt, India, and Indonesia.
- Secure entry-into-force of trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama on a commercially sound basis as soon as practical.
- Press for negotiation of strong U.S. investment treaties with India and China.
- Negotiate tax treaties with key countries, especially Brazil.
- Support trade facilitation through the Revised Kyoto Convention on Customs.
- Improve U.S. trade promotion programs to help small businesses export.
- Secure reauthorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank and Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC).
- Educate the public on the benefits of international trade and investment.
Fight economic isolationism, including undue restrictions on exports, investment, procurement, sourcing, travel, and foreign exchange.
- Modernize export controls to support U.S. competitiveness and national security.
- Support multilateral efforts to reduce global imbalances.
- Oppose “buy local” mandates in U.S. and foreign procurements.
- Support the free flow of commercial information on the Internet.
- End unilateral sanctions that close foreign markets only to U.S. exporters.
Align trade, regulatory, and competition policy to ensure open and competitive markets.
- Redefine the international role, responsibility, and coordination of U.S. regulators.
- Advance regulatory cooperation between the United States and its major trading partners.
- Combat state capitalism and anti-market industrial policies around the world.
- Press for transparent, predictable, and fair antitrust enforcement around the globe.
- Advocate for an open, private sector-driven approach to standards development.
- Support the rule of law in global markets.
Related Links
- International Trade, Investment and Regulatory Policy
- What’s Next for Trade—A New Agenda for the Asia-Pacific Region and Beyond, Remarks by Thomas J. Donohue President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- U.S. Chamber Hails Submission of Trade Accords to Congress
- Testimony on Job Creation Made Easy: The Colombia, Panama, and South Korea Free Trade Agreements
- U.S. Chamber Welcomes Progress at U.S.-China Trade Meeting
- Testimony - Hearing on China's AML and its impact on U.S. firms
- U.S. Chamber Hails Passage of Free Trade Agreements
- U.S. Chamber President Looks Toward an Improving Economy, Promotes Plan to Spur Job Creation