Advanced search Help
Searching for terms: EXACT: "Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias" in: author
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
U.S.-India Trade Relations [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Document: "The United States and India view one another as important strategic partners to advance common interests regionally and globally. [...] The Trump Administration, which views bilateral trade balances as an indicator of the health of a trading relationship, takes issue with the U.S. trade deficit with India, and has criticized India for a range of 'unfair' trading practices that restrict U.S. exports to and investment in India. Indian Prime Minister Modi's first term fell short of many observers' expectations, as India did not move forward with anticipated market-opening reforms, and instead increased tariffs and trade restrictions. Modi's strong electoral mandate may embolden the Indian government to press ahead with its reform agenda with greater vigor. Recent slowing economic growth in India raises concerns about India's business environment."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Kronstadt, K. Alan
2019-10-02
-
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization: Frequently Asked Questions [August 1, 2014]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in the financing of U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. The agency's general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, 12 U.S.C. §635 et seq.) expires on September 30, 2014. A sunset in Ex-Im Bank's authority would mean that the agency's authority to enter into new obligations generally would cease and a wind-down of operations would be required. (This issue is distinct from an 'authorization of appropriations' expiring, which would not, in and of itself, terminate such authority to operate.) Congress is actively debating whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority; if so, for how long and under what terms; and if not, the possibility of other policy options. The issue of Ex-Im Bank reauthorization has raised a number of frequently asked questions regarding Ex-Im Bank itself and reauthorization policy options."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Levit, Mindy R. . . .
2014-08-01
-
Export-Import Bank: Frequently Asked Questions [April 13, 2016]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in financing and facilitating U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. Ex-Im Bank operates under a renewable general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended). In the 114th Congress, Ex-Im Bank's charter was extended through September 30, 2019, by the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015 (Division E of P.L. [Public Law] 114-94, a surface transportation authorization measure). Enacted on December 4, 2015, this act generally lowered Ex-Im Bank's statutory lending authority ('exposure cap' for outstanding portfolio) to $135 billion for each of FY2015-FY2019, and made reforms to, among other things, Ex-Im Bank's policies or operations in risk management, fraud controls, and ethics, as well as the U.S. approach to international negotiations on export credit financing. Ex-Im Bank's reauthorization, ultimately on a bipartisan basis in Congress, was preceded by active debate among Members about whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority and if so, for how long and under what terms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Driessen, Grant A. . . .
2016-04-13
-
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization: Frequently Asked Questions [November 18, 2015]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in financing and facilitating U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. Ex-Im Bank operates under a renewable general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended), previously extended for nine months through June 30, 2015 (FY2015 continuing resolution, Section 147 of P.L. 113-164). Congress did not renew the charter before it expired on July 1, 2015. As a result, some but not all of the Bank's statutory authorities have expired. Ex-Im Bank retains statutory authority (12 U.S.C. Section 635f) to 'continu[e] as a corporate agency of the United States' and exercise any of its functions 'for purposes of orderly liquidation.' The charter offers little guidance on what an 'orderly liquidation' entails. In general, Ex-Im Bank states that, under an authorization lapse, no new loan, guarantee, or insurance commitments can be approved by its Board or under delegated authority, but the Bank may continue administering and servicing existing obligations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Taylor, Julia . . .
2015-11-18
-
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization: Frequently Asked Questions [June 17, 2015]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in financing and facilitating U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. The FY2015 continuing resolution (CR; §147 of P.L. 113-164) extends Ex-Im Bank's general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, 12 U.S.C. §635 et seq.) through June 30, 2015. Previously, the charter was set to sunset on September 30, 2014 (P.L. 112-122). A sunset in Ex-Im Bank's authority would mean that the agency's authority to enter into new obligations generally would cease and a wind-down of operations would be required. […] As the new sunset date approaches, Congress is considering whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority; if so, for how long and under what terms; and if not, the possibility of other policy alternatives. The issue of Ex-Im Bank reauthorization raises a number of frequently asked questions regarding Ex-Im Bank itself and reauthorization policy options. This report addresses many of those questions, including: [1] What is the Export-Import Bank? [2] What is the reauthorization debate over Ex-Im Bank? [3] What is its leadership structure? [4] What are its programs, policies, and activities? [5] What is its international context? [6] How does its budget work? [7] How does it manage risk? [8] What are the implications of a sunset in authority for the Bank's activities? [and 9] What are historical and current approaches to Ex-Im Bank reauthorization?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Taylor, Julia . . .
2015-06-17
-
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization: Frequently Asked Questions [November 26, 2014]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in the financing of U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. The FY2015 continuing resolution (CR; Sec. 147 of P.L. 113-164) extends Ex-Im Bank's general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, 12 U.S.C. §635 et seq.) through June 30, 2015. Previously, the charter was set to sunset on September 30, 2014 (P.L. 112-122). A sunset in Ex-Im Bank's authority would mean that the agency's authority to enter into new obligations generally would cease and a wind-down of operations would be required. (This issue is distinct from an 'authorization of appropriations' expiring, which would not, in and of itself, terminate such authority to operate.) As the new sunset date approaches, Congress is likely to debate whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority; if so, for how long and under what terms; and if not, other policy alternatives. The issue of Ex-Im Bank reauthorization raises a number of frequently asked questions regarding Ex-Im Bank itself and reauthorization policy options. This report addresses many of those questions, including: (1) What is the Export-Import Bank? (2) What is the reauthorization debate over Ex-Im Bank? (3) What is the Bank's market and international context? (4) What is its leadership structure? (5) What are its programs, policies, and activities? (6) How does its budget work? (7) How does it manage risk? (8) What are the implications of a sunset in authority for the Bank's activities? And (9) What are historical and current approaches to Ex-Im Bank reauthorization?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Levit, Mindy R. . . .
2014-11-26
-
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization: Frequently Asked Questions [September 10, 2014]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in the financing of U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. The agency's general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, 12 U.S.C. §635 et seq.) expires on September 30, 2014. A sunset in Ex-Im Bank's authority would mean that the agency's authority to enter into new obligations generally would cease and a wind-down of operations would be required. (This issue is distinct from an 'authorization of appropriations' expiring, which would not, in and of itself, terminate such authority to operate.) Congress is actively debating whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority; if so, for how long and under what terms; and if not, the possibility of other policy options. The issue of Ex-Im Bank reauthorization has raised a number of frequently asked questions regarding Ex-Im Bank itself and reauthorization policy options. This report addresses many of those questions, including: (1) What is the Export-Import Bank? (2) What is the reauthorization debate over Ex-Im Bank? (3) What is the Bank's market and international context? (4) What is its leadership structure? (5) What are its programs, policies, and activities? (6) How does its budget work? (7) How does it manage risk? (8) What are the implications of a sunset in authority for the Bank's activities? (9) What are historical and current approaches to Ex-Im Bank reauthorization?"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Carpenter, David Hatcher; Levit, Mindy R. . . .
2014-09-10
-
U.S.-India Trade Relations [Updated April 3, 2019]
From the Document: "The United States and India view one another as important strategic partners to advance common interests regionally and globally. Bilateral trade in goods and services is 2% of U.S. world trade, and has grown in recent years (Figure 1). The trade relationship is more consequential for India; in 2017, the United States was its second largest export market (16% share) after the European Union (EU, 17%), and third largest import supplier (6%) after China (17%) and the EU (10%). U.S.-India foreign direct investment (FDI) is small, but growing. Defense sales also are significant in bilateral trade. Civilian nuclear commerce, stalled for years over differences on liability protections, has produced major potential U.S. supply contracts. The Trump Administration, which views bilateral trade balances as an indicator of the health of a trading relationship, takes issue with the U.S. trade deficit with India, and has criticized India for a range of 'unfair' trading practices. Countering this view, India notes that the U.S. bilateral trade deficit dropped in 2018. The causes and consequences of trade deficits are debated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Kronstadt, K. Alan; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2019-04-03
-
Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) [Updated May 23, 2019]
From the Document: "Ex-Im Bank, the official U.S. export credit agency (ECA), provides financing and insurance to facilitate the export of U.S. goods and services to support U.S. jobs, pursuant to are new able, general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; 12 U.S.C. 635 et seq.). It aims to provide support when the private sector is unwilling or unable to finance alone; and/or to counter foreign ECA financing. Recent Senate confirmations to positions on the board of directors of the Ex-Im Bank restored its quorum and reinstated its full authority, including to approve larger deals again. Potential issues for the 116th Congress include Senate consideration of additional board nominations and congressional consideration of reauthorizing Ex-Im Bank"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2019-05-23
-
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and International Trade [Updated March 13, 2019]
From the Document: "What is intellectual property (IP), and how is it protected? IP is a creation of the mind embodied in physical and digital objects. Intellectual property rights (IPR) are legal, private, enforceable rights that governments grant to inventors and artists. IPR generally provide timelimited monopolies to right holders to use, commercialize, and market their creations and to prevent others from doing the same without their permission (acts referred to as infringements). IPR are intended to encourage innovation and creative output. After these rights expire, other inventors, artists, and society at large can build on them."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Fergusson, Ian F.
2019-03-13
-
Trump Administration's Proposed Removal of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Benefits for India and Turkey [March 15, 2019]
From the Document: "On March 4, 2019, President Trump notified Congress of his intent to terminate India's and Turkey's eligibility for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), a U.S. trade program that provides nonreciprocal, duty-free tariff treatment to certain products imported from designated beneficiary developing countries (BDCs), in order to grow and develop their economies. Potential eligibility changes are subject to annual review and public notice and comment. The President's determination on India arose from a review of the country's market access practices; for Turkey, it was due to the country's increased level of economic development. By law, the President must notify Congress at least 60 days before a GSP status change may take effect. Congress may hold hearings, work with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on alternative strategies, and/or enact legislation to modify or reverse the President's determination."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Jones, Vivian Catherine
2019-03-15
-
Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Debate [August 18, 2014]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned federal government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the U.S. government. Its mission is to assist in the financing of U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. On a demand-driven basis, it seeks to provide financing when the private sector is unwilling, or unable, to undertake alone such financing at terms commercially viable for exporters; and/or to meet foreign competition by countering government-backed financing offered by foreign countries to their companies. [...] Congressional and stakeholder views on Ex-Im Bank vary. Proponents contend that the Bank supports U.S. exports and jobs by addressing shortfalls in private sector financing and helping U.S. exporters compete against foreign companies backed by their governments' ECAs. Critics contend that it crowds out private sector activity, picks winners and losers through its support, operates as a form of corporate welfare, and poses a risk to taxpayers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2014-08-18
-
Export-Import Bank: Overview and Reauthorization Issues [June 3, 2014]
From the report: "The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank) is an independent U.S. government executive agency and a wholly-owned U.S. government corporation.1 It is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the United States, and is charged with financing and promoting exports of U.S. manufactured goods and services, with the objective of contributing to the employment of U.S. workers. Ex-Im Bank is among the federal government agencies involved in promoting U.S. exports of goods and services.2 The Bank operates under a renewable charter, the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended (P.L. 79-173; 12 U.S.C. §635 et seq). In 2012, Congress debated and ultimately reauthorized Ex- Im Bank through the close of business on September 30, 2014 (P.L. 112-122). Currently, Congress is considering whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority and if so, for how long and under what terms. This report provides: (1) a general background of Ex-Im Bank; (2) a discussion of the international context of the Bank; (3) analysis of key issues that Congress may consider in a reauthorization debate; and (4) the congressional outlook on Ex-Im Bank."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2014-06-03
-
Proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP): In Brief [July 23, 2013]
"Congress has the constitutional authority to 'regulate commerce with foreign nations.' Thus, it has an important legislative, oversight, and advisory role when trade agreements are being negotiated. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated between the United States and the European Union (EU). Both sides envision the TTIP as a 'comprehensive' and 'high-standard' FTA. They seek, among other things, to increase market access through the elimination of barriers to trade and investment in goods, services, and agriculture, and enhance regulatory cooperation. The two sides also seek to use eventual TTIP commitments on the global scene: to advance trade liberalization; set rules and standards; and address challenges associated with the rising economic powers (REPs). The United States and the European Union held the first round of TTIP negotiations the week of July 8, 2013 in Washington, DC. The next round is scheduled for the week of October 7, 2013 in Brussels."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Vivian Catherine; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2013-07-23
-
Export-Import Bank: Overview and Reauthorization Issues [June 30, 2014]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), an independent federal government agency, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the United States. It operates under a renewable charter, the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 (P.L. 79-173), as amended. Ex-Im Bank helps finance U.S. exports of manufactured goods and services, with the objective of contributing to U.S. employment, in circumstances when alternative financing is not available or to assist U.S. exporters to meet foreign, government-backed sponsored, export credit competition. Its main programs are direct loans, loan guarantees, working capital finance, and export credit insurance. Its transactions are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Legislation was enacted in the 112th Congress to extend Ex-Im Bank's authority through the close of business on September 30, 2014 (P.L. 112-122) and to raise its exposure cap (total amount of outstanding credit and insurance authority) to $140 billion by FY2014. Currently, Congress is debating whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority and, if so, for how long and under what terms."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2014-06-30
-
Proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP): In Brief [June 11, 2014]
"The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) being negotiated between the United States and the European Union (EU). Congress retains the constitutional authority to 'regulate commerce with foreign nations,' and has a direct interest in the T-TIP, both through influencing the Administration's positions on issues in the negotiations and approving implementing legislation for any final T-TIP agreement for it to enter into force. The 113th Congress may consider the renewal of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) for the T-TIP. Negotiators on both sides envision the T-TIP as a comprehensive and high standard FTA. They seek to (1) increase market access through the elimination of barriers to trade and investment in goods, services, and agriculture and the further opening of government procurement markets; (2) enhance regulatory coherence and cooperation; and (3) develop new rules in areas such as foreign direct investment, intellectual property rights, labor, the environment, and emerging '21st century' areas of trade (e.g., regulating data flows, trade facilitation in a supply chain environment, and the role of state-owned enterprises). The United States and EU also seek to use commitments reached in the T-TIP to advance multilateral trade liberalization, set globally-relevant rules and standards, and address challenges associated with the growing role of China and other emerging markets in the global economy."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Jones, Vivian Catherine
2014-06-11
-
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) Negotiations [February 4, 2014]
"In February 2013, U.S. and European Union (EU) leaders announced plans to negotiate a comprehensive and high-standard free trade agreement (FTA) between the United States and the EU, referred to as a proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Formal negotiations commenced in July 2013, and three rounds of negotiations have been held to date, and a fourth round is scheduled for March 2014. If concluded as envisioned, TTIP could be the largest FTA in the world in terms of economic size and serve a number of strategic U.S. policy goals. Congress, which has the constitutional authority to 'regulate commerce with foreign nations,' has a direct interest in the TTIP negotiations, both through influencing U.S. trade negotiating objectives and considering implementing legislation for any final TTIP agreement for it to enter into force. Congress also may consider legislation to renew Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which expired in 2007, to further define U.S. trade negotiating objectives and provide expedited legislative procedures for the consideration of a bill to implement a final TTIP agreement. The TTIP negotiations may raise debates among Members of Congress on the role and direction of U.S. trade policy, as well as the costs and benefits of trade liberalization."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Jones, Vivian Catherine
2014-02-04
-
Intellectual Property Rights and International Trade [April 4, 2014]
"This report provides background on intellectual property rights (IPR) and discusses the role of U.S. international trade policy in enhancing IPR protection and enforcement abroad. IPR are legal rights granted by governments to encourage innovation and creative output by ensuring that creators reap the benefits of their inventions or works. […] IPR issues related to international trade policy may figure prominently in the 113th congressional agenda. Congress may: [1] examine the role of IPR in U.S. trade policy, including through consideration of IPR trade negotiating objectives in a renewal of Trade Promotion Authority (TPA); [2] conduct oversight of implementation of the IPR commitments in existing trade agreements, as well as in the current U.S. trade negotiations on the TPP and TTIP; [3] conduct oversight of the role of IPR in U.S. economic growth and innovation, and how the protection and enforcement of IPR relates to other public policy goals, such as access to medicines in poor or developing countries and the free flow of data; [4] consider the possibility of additional policy options to address IPR concerns in emerging economies that are not a part of existing U.S. FTAs [Fair Trade Agreement(s)] or included in current U.S. FTA negotiations, as well as new and evolving IPR issues, such as with respect to indigenous innovation, 'forced' localization barriers to trade, and trade secret theft through cybercrime; and [5] examine the effectiveness of the current U.S. coordinating structure and the adequacy of current federal resources for promoting international IPR support."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2014-04-04
-
India-U.S. Economic Relations: In Brief [September 26, 2014]
"As the world's 3rd largest economy, India is an important trade and economic partner for the United States. The upcoming September 29-30 visit by recently elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi, his first to Washington, DC, has heightened congressional interest in the current status of the relationship. Modi's visit provides the Obama Administration with an opportunity to advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership, including by discussing ways to foster greater trade and investment between the two nations. May 2014 parliamentary elections in India brought a new government into power, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Modi. Prime Minister Modi's victory was widely seen as a mandate for the new government to pursue economic policies similar to those Modi implemented during his 15 years as Chief Minister of India's Gujarat state. Although merchandise trade between India and the United States has grown rapidly over the last five years, each nation contends that some aspects of the other's economic and trade policies hinder greater trade and investment growth. For example, the Obama Administration considers India's intellectual property rights (IPR) protection as inadequate, and its localization policies as non-tariff trade barriers. The Indian government considers current U.S. laws on visas for temporary foreign workers and payroll taxes as non-tariff trade barriers that discriminate against Indian workers. While both governments maintain that their policies are compliant with international agreements and respond to domestic needs, these perceptions continue to create tension in bilateral relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Martin, Michael F.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Kronstadt, K. Alan . . .
2014-09-26
-
U.S. Government Agencies Involved in Export Promotion: Overview and Issues for Congress [January 31, 2013]
"In times of economic crisis, including the global financial crisis of 2008-2009 and ensuing economic downturn, Congress often has debated on how best to promote U.S. commercial exports as a policy tool for economic growth and job creation. Congressional interest in U.S. export promotion policy has risen with President Obama's announcement of a National Export Initiative (NEI) in his 2010 State of the Union Address. The NEI is a strategy for doubling U.S. exports by 2014 in order to help generate 2 million new jobs in the United States through increased coordination and funding of federal export promotion activities; greater financing for U.S. exporters; increased government advocacy on behalf of U.S. exporters; and negotiation of new trade agreements and stronger enforcement of existing U.S. trade agreements. With the increased focus on export promotion efforts, some Members of Congress have placed greater priority on understanding the functions, coordination, and budgets of federal government agencies involved in export promotion. Such an understanding may support increased congressional oversight of U.S. export promotion policy and related legislative activity. It also may assist Members of Congress in supporting the efforts of their constituents to learn about federal export promotion services and to become involved in exporting. The 113th Congress could conduct oversight and legislate on a range of export promotion issues. This report provides an overview of the federal agencies that participate in U.S. export promotion efforts and the issues that they raise for Congress. While this report focuses on the role of the federal government in promoting exports, it is important to acknowledge that state and local governments, as well as businesses, also have an important role in promoting exports."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Hanrahan, Charles; Villarreal, M. Angeles
2013-01-31
-
Intellectual Property Rights and International Trade [February 17, 2011]
"This report provides background on intellectual property rights (IPR) and discusses the role of U.S. international trade policy in enhancing IPR protection and enforcement abroad. IPR are legal rights granted by governments to encourage innovation and creative output by ensuring that creators reap the benefits of their inventions or works, and they may take the form of patents, trade secrets, copyrights, trademarks, or geographical indications. U.S. industries that rely on IPR contribute significantly to U.S. economic growth, employment, and trade with other countries. Counterfeiting and piracy in other countries may result in the loss of billions of dollars of revenue for U.S. firms as well as the loss of U.S. jobs. Responsibility for developing IPR policy, engaging in IPR-related international negotiations, and enforcing IPR laws cuts across several different U.S. government agencies. Promoting the enforcement of IPR is an important component of U.S. international trade policy. Since the 1995 Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) at the World Trade Organization (WTO), trade policy has been used to promote enforcement of IPR abroad. The United States and several trading partners have been negotiating the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), which would surpass TRIPS Agreement commitments."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Fergusson, Ian F.
2011-02-17
-
U.S. Trade Policy: Background and Current Issues [Updated July 22, 2019]
From the Document: "Congress plays a major role in U.S. trade policy through constitutional authority over tariffs and foreign commerce (Article 1, §8). Since World War II, U.S. trade policy has generally sought to: [1] liberalize markets by reducing trade and investment barriers through agreements and negotiations; [2] foster an open and nondiscriminatory rules-based trading system, including through the World Trade Organization (WTO); [3] enforce trade commitments and laws; [4] support economic growth; and [5] offer relief to U.S. firms and workers from import competition and 'unfair' foreign trade practices. The Trump Administration's trade policy actions continue to present legislative and oversight issues for the 116th Congress, including on: significant unilateral tariff actions, a renegotiated North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and economic engagement and confrontation with China and other trading partners."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Fergusson, Ian F.; Williams, Brock R.
2019-07-22
-
Export-Import Bank: Overview and Reauthorization Issues [Updated August 9, 2019]
From the Document: "The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank)--commonly referred to as the official export credit agency (ECA) of the United States--provides financing and insurance to facilitate the export of U.S. goods and services to support U.S. jobs. Ex-Im Bank, a wholly owned U.S. government corporation, operates pursuant to a renewable statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended; 12 U.S.C. §635 et seq.), and also abides by international rules on ECA financing under the Organization for Economic Cooperation for Development (OECD)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2019-08-09
-
U.S.-EU Trade and Economic Issues [Updated August 28, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The United States and European Union (EU) are each other's largest trade and investment partners. Their ties are deep, but some barriers to trade and investment remain. Over the years, the two sides have sought to further liberalize trade and investment ties, enhance regulatory cooperation, and work together on international economic issues of joint interest, including through international institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO). The trading relationship is largely harmonious, but frictions emerge periodically due to the high level of commercial activity and disagreements on specific policy issues. U.S.-EU trade and economic relations face heightened tension now due to shifts in certain U.S. trade policy approaches under the Trump Administration."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2019-08-28
-
Proposed U.S.-EU Trade Agreement Negotiations [May 15, 2019]
From the Document: "On October 16, 2018, the Trump Administration notified Congress under Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) of new U.S. trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), the United States' largest trading partner [...]. The transatlantic economy is massive and highly integrated, but still features tariffs and nontariff barriers (NTBs) to trade and investment. U.S.-EU negotiations on a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP) stalled after 15 rounds under the Obama Administration. The proposal for new talks followed a July 2018 U.S.-EU Joint Statement aiming to deescalate trade tensions. The new talks have not formally started, and their outlook is uncertain. Congress may seek to monitor and shape the trade negotiations, and could consider implementing legislation for a potential final free trade agreement (FTA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Schwarzenberg, Andres B.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Johnson, Renée
2019-05-15
-
Digital Trade and U.S. Trade Policy [May 21, 2019]
From the Document: "The rapid growth of digital technologies in recent years has created new opportunities for U.S. consumers and businesses but also new challenges in international trade. For example, consumers today access e-commerce, social media, telemedicine, and other offerings not imagined thirty years ago. Businesses use advanced technology to reach new markets, track global supply chains, analyze big data, and create new products and services. New technologies facilitate economic activity but also create new trade policy questions and concerns. Data and data flows form a pillar of innovation and economic growth."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Morrison, Wayne M.
2019-05-21
-
USMCA: Labor Provisions [September 12, 2019]
From the Overview: "The proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), signed in late 2018, requires implementing legislation that must be approved by both houses of Congress before it can enter into force. Labor issues are one of the major policy issues of interest for some Members of Congress as they consider the final agreement. The USMCA would revise and strengthen labor provisions of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and require Mexico to enact certain changes to its domestic labor laws."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2019-09-12
-
U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) [Updated September 10, 2019]
From the Background: "The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) is an independent U.S. government export promotion and foreign assistance agency. TDA aims to support U.S. jobs by linking U.S. firms to export opportunities for development projects in developing and middle-income countries through funding 'pre-export' assistance. TDA is authorized permanently under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), as amended (22 U.S.C. §2421), and operates under the Secretary of State's policy guidance. In 1992, Congress established TDA as an independent agency (P.L. 102-549), but its predecessor dates to the 1980s. The TDA Director is appointed by the President, by and with the Senate's advice and consent. President Trump's continued request for funding to eliminate TDA, as well as other legislative and policy developments, may intensify debate over the arguments for and against TDA, its role in supporting U.S. exports, and its relationship to other federal agencies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2019-09-10
-
International Investment Agreements (IIAs): Frequently Asked Questions [May 15, 2015]
From the Summary: "In recent decades, the United States has entered into binding investment agreements with foreign countries to facilitate investment flows, reduce restrictions on foreign investment and expand market access, and enhance investor protections, while balancing other policy interests. Some World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements address investment issues in a limited manner. In the absence of a comprehensive multilateral agreement, bilateral investment treaties (BITs) and investment chapters in free trade agreements (FTAs), known as international investment agreements (IIAs), have been the primary tools for promoting and protecting international investment. This report answers frequently asked questions about U.S. IIAs including provisions for investor-state dispute settlement."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Weiss, Martin A.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Murrill, Brandon J. . . .
2015-05-15
-
Export-Import Bank: Overview and Reauthorization Issues [March 25, 2015]
"The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank or the Bank), a wholly owned U.S. government corporation, is the official export credit agency (ECA) of the United States. Its mission is to assist in the financing of U.S. exports of goods and services to support U.S. employment. The FY2015 continuing resolution (Sec. 147 of P.L. [Public Law] 113-164) extends its general statutory charter (Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, 12 U.S.C. §635 et seq.) through June 30, 2015. The 114th Congress may debate whether to renew Ex-Im Bank's authority; if so, for how long and under what terms; and if not, other policy alternatives. Under its charter, Ex-Im Bank's financing must have a 'reasonable assurance of repayment' and should supplement, and not compete with, private capital, among other requirements. The Bank also abides by international rules for government-backed export credit activity under the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In FY2014, Ex-Im Bank reported authorizing about $20.5 billion for 3,746 transactions of finance and insurance, to support an estimated $27.5 billion in U.S. exports of goods and services and 164,000 U.S. jobs. Its overall portfolio exposure level in FY2014 was $112 billion--below the $140 billion statutory cap for that year. Ex-Im Bank assesses credit and other risks of proposed transactions, monitors current commitments for risks, and maintains reserves against potential losses. It reported a default rate of 0.175% as of September 2014 (provided quarterly to Congress) and, since 1992, an average recovery rate of 50% for transactions in default."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias
2015-03-25
