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Ongoing Section 232 Steel and Aluminum Investigations [July 28, 2017]
"The Department of Commerce is currently conducting two investigations to determine the national security implications of U.S. imports of steel and aluminum under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. § 1862, as amended). Section 232, sometimes called the 'national security clause,' provides the President with the ability to impose restrictions on imports, such as tariffs or quotas, if the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Department of Defense and other government officials, determines such imports threaten to impair the national security of the United States. The Commerce Department has 270 days from the initiation date to prepare a report and recommendations. The President then has 90 days to accept the findings and determine what actions, if any, to take. There are diverse views on the investigations among steel and aluminum producers, manufacturers that use steel and aluminum as inputs into their final products, and other stakeholders. To date, the Commerce Department has held public hearings on the steel and aluminum investigations, Members of Congress have raised the issue with U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer, including during House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committee hearings, and Commerce Department officials privately have briefed each of the committees."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2017-07-28
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World Trade Organization [Updated March 7, 2019]
From the Document: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements and today includes 164 members. It succeeded the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which was created in 1947 as part of the post-WWII effort to build a stable, open international economic framework. The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administers existing agreements; (2) serves as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization; and (3) provides a mechanism to settle trade disputes among the parties. The multiple WTO Agreements: cover trade in goods, services and agriculture; remove tariff and nontariff barriers; and establish rules on government practices that directly relate to trade--for example, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade, customs valuation, intellectual property rights, and government procurement. The Agreements are based on the principles of nondiscrimination among countries, national treatment, and transparency of trade rules and regulations. Some exceptions, however, such as preferential treatment for developing countries and regional and bilateral free trade agreements, are allowed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-03-07
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EU Data Protection Rules and U.S. Implications [Updated February 7, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. and European citizens are increasingly concerned about ensuring the protection of personal data, especially online. A string of high-profile data breaches at companies such as Facebook and Google have contributed to heightened public awareness. The European Union's (EU) new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)--which took effect on May 25, 2018--has drawn the attention of U.S. businesses and other stakeholders, prompting debate on U.S. data privacy and protection policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Archick, Kristin
2019-02-07
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Data Flows, Online Privacy, and Trade Policy [March 11, 2019]
From the Document: "'Cross-border data flows' refers to the movement or transfer of information between computer servers across national borders. Such data flows enable people to transmit information for online communication, track global supply chains, share research, provide cross-border services, and support technological innovation. Ensuring open cross-border data flows has been an objective of Congress in recent trade agreements and in broader U.S. international trade policy. The free flow of personal data, however, has raised security and privacy concerns. U.S. trade policy has traditionally sought to balance the need for cross-border data flows, which often include personal data, with online privacy and security. Some stakeholders, including some Members of Congress, believe that U.S. policy should better protect personal data privacy and security, and have introduced legislation to set a national policy. Other policymakers and analysts are concerned about increasing foreign barriers to U.S. digital trade, including data flows."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-03-11
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Trump Administration Tariff Actions: Frequently Asked Questions [February 22, 2019]
From the Document, "The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority over the regulation of foreign commerce. Over the past several decades, Congress has authorized the President to adjust tariffs and other trade restrictions in certain circumstances through specific trade laws. Using these delegated authorities under three trade laws, President Trump has imposed increased tariffs, largely in the range of 10% - 25%, on a variety of U.S. imports to address concerns related to national security, injury to competing industries, and China's trade practices on forced technology transfer and intellectual property rights, among other issues. Several U.S. trade partners argue that these tariff actions violate existing U.S. commitments under multilateral and bilateral or regional trade agreements and have imposed tariffs on U.S. exports in retaliation. Congress continues to actively examine and debate these tariffs, and several bills have been introduced either to expand, limit, or revise existing authorities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Williams, Brock R.; Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F. . . .
2019-02-22
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EU Data Protection Rules and U.S. Implications [Updated August 9, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. and European Union (EU) policymakers are focusing on protection of personal data with new and proposed legislation and enforcement actions. Data breaches at companies such as Facebook, Google, and Marriott have contributed to heightened public awareness. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)--which took effect on May 25, 2018--has drawn the attention of U.S. businesses and other stakeholders, prompting debate on U.S. federal and state data privacy and protection policies."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Archick, Kristin
2019-08-09
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Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 [Updated May 23, 2019]
From the Background: "The Trump Administration has conducted multiple investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. § 1862, as amended) to determine if certain imports threaten to impair national security. President Trump acted after three separate investigations found potential threats; two additional investigations are ongoing. Prior to the Trump Administration, the last time a president imposed tariffs or other trade restrictions under Section 232 was in 1986, based on a 1983 investigation into imports of machine tools. Recent action under Section 232 has generated active debate in Congress and at the multilateral level, including legislative initiatives to amend the congressional delegation of authority under Section 232 to the President."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.; Jones, Vivian Catherine
2019-05-23
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World Trade Organization [Updated December 6, 2019]
From the Overview: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements, and today includes 164 members. It succeeded the 1947 General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), created as part of the post-WWII effort to build a stable, open international trading system. The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administers existing agreements; (2) serves as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization and rules; and (3) provides a mechanism to settle disputes. The multiple WTO agreements cover trade in goods, services, and agriculture; remove tariff and nontariff barriers; and establish rules on government practices that directly relate to trade--for example, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade (TBT), intellectual property rights (IPR), and government procurement (Table 1). The agreements are based on the principles of nondiscrimination among countries--most-favored nation (MFN) treatment, national treatment, fair competition, and transparency of trade rules and regulations. Some exceptions, however, such as preferential treatment for developing countries and regional and bilateral trade agreements outside the WTO, are allowed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-12-06
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World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction [Updated December 6, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that administers the trade rules and agreements negotiated by its 164 members to eliminate trade barriers and create nondiscriminatory rules to govern trade. It also serves as an important forum for resolving trade disputes. The United States was a major force behind the establishment of the WTO in 1995 and the rules and agreements that resulted from the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations (1986-1994). The WTO encompassed and expanded on the commitments and institutional functions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which was established in 1947 by the United States and 22 other nations. Through the GATT and WTO, the United States and other countries sought to establish a more open, rules-based trading system in the postwar era, with the goal of fostering international economic cooperation, stability, and prosperity worldwide. Today, the vast majority of world trade, approximately 98%, takes place among WTO members. [...] This report provides background history of the WTO, its organization, and current status of negotiations. The report also explores concerns some have regarding the WTO's future direction and key policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2019-12-06
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Blockchain and International Trade [Updated June 25, 2019]
From the Document: "Innovations in technology have the potential to enable and disrupt international commerce (e.g., online shopping and drone delivery services). Along with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, blockchain may change the conduct of international trade, including how it is financed, how companies manage supply chains, and how border officials vet imports. Congress may face questions about the potential benefits and risks of this new technology and whether, or how, blockchain should be regulated."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-06-25
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Internet Regimes and WTO E-Commerce Negotiations [January 28, 2020]
From the Introduction: "This report will compare some aspects of various national internet regimes and then examine the ongoing WTO [World Trade Organization] e-commerce negotiations and certain international forums that present an opportunity to establish global rules and technology standards and to minimize or prevent potential problems created by diverging systems."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2020-01-28
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Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 [Updated January 27, 2020]
From the Background: "The Trump Administration has conducted multiple investigations under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 (19 U.S.C. §1862, as amended) to determine if certain imports threaten to impair national security. President Trump acted after four separate investigations found potential threats; he has not yet made a determination on a fifth investigation. Prior to the Trump Administration, the last time a president imposed tariffs or other trade restrictions under Section 232 was in 1986, based on a 1983 investigation into imports of machine tools. Recent action under Section 232 has generated active debate in Congress and at the multilateral level. Some in Congress favor legislative initiatives to amend the congressional delegation of authority."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Jones, Vivian Catherine; Fefer, Rachel F.
2020-01-27
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U.S. Trade in Services: Trends and Policy Issues [February 4, 2016]
"'Services' refers to a growing range of economic activities, such as audiovisual; construction; computer and related services; energy; express delivery; e-commerce; financial; professional (such as accounting and legal services); retail and wholesaling; transportation; tourism; and telecommunications. Services have become an important priority in U.S. trade flows and trade policy and of global trade in general, accounting for $710.6 billion of U.S. exports and 80% of U.S. jobs. The types and volume of services that can be traded, however, are limited by their intangibility (as compared to goods), the requirement for direct buyer-provider contact, and other unique characteristics. The Administration is currently negotiating three trade agreements that include services as a significant component. If negotiations are concluded, Congress will consider legislation to implement the agreements. […] Congress and U.S. trade negotiators face other issues, including how to balance the need for effective regulations with the objective of opening markets for trade in services; ensuring adequate and accurate data to measure trade in services to better inform trade policy; and determining whether further international cooperation efforts are needed to improve the regulatory environment for services trade beyond initial market access. This report provides background information and analysis on these and other emerging issues and U.S. international trade in services, in general. In addition, it examines current negotiations, TiSA, TPP, and T-TIP,
as they relate to services trade"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2016-02-04
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U.S. Trade Concepts, Performance, and Policy: Frequently Asked Questions [March 25, 2016]
"Congress plays a major role in U.S. trade policy through its legislative and oversight authority. There are a number of major trade issues that are currently the focus of Congress. For example, bills were introduced in the 113th Congress to reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and legislative action on these issues could be forthcoming in the 114th Congress. Additionally, Congress has been involved with proposed free trade agreements (FTAs), including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) involving the United States and 11 other countries and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the United States and the European Union (EU). Also of interest to Congress are current plurilateral negotiations for a Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) and an updated multilateral Information Technology Agreement (ITA) in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trade and investment policies of major U.S. trading partners (such as China), especially when they are deemed harmful to U.S. economic interests, are also of continued concern to Congress. Recent improved U.S. relations with Cuba have resulted in the introduction of several bills to boost bilateral commercial ties. The costs and benefits of trade to the U.S. economy, firms, workers, and constituents, and the future direction of U.S. trade policy, are the subject of ongoing debates in Congress. This report provides information and context for these and many other trade topics."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.; Jackson, James K., 1949-; Jones, Vivian Catherine . . .
2016-03-25
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U.S. Trade in Services: Trends and Policy Issues [June 30, 2017]
"The term 'services' refers to an expanding range of economic activities, such as audiovisual; construction; computer and related services; energy; express delivery; e-commerce; financial; professional (such as accounting and legal services); retail and wholesaling; transportation; tourism; and telecommunications. Services account for a majority of the U.S. economy-78% of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and 82% of U.S. civilian employment.1 Services are an important element across the U.S. economy, at the national, state, and local levels. They not only function as end-use products but also act as the 'lifeblood' of the rest of the economy. For example, transportation services move intermediate products along global supply chains and final products to consumers; telecommunications services open e-commerce channels; and financial services provide credits for the manufacture and consumption of goods."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2017-06-30
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U.S.-China Relations [Updated September 3, 2019]
From the Summary: "The United States and the People's Republic of China (PRC or China) are involved in a prolonged stand-off over trade and in competition that is spilling from political and military areas into a growing number of other spheres, including technology, finance, and education, severely straining ties on the 40th anniversary of the two countries' establishment of diplomatic relations. The two lead the world in the size of their economies, their defense budgets, and their global greenhouse gas emissions. Both countries are permanent members of the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council. In 2018, they were each other's largest trading partners. During the Trump Administration, competition has dominated the relationship and areas of cooperation have shrunk. The 2017 National Security Strategy (NSS) describes both China and Russia as seeking to 'challenge American power, influence, and interests, attempting to erode American security and prosperity.' To pressure China to change its economic practices, the United States has imposed tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars of U.S. imports from China, with almost all imports from China scheduled to be subject to additional tariffs by December 15, 2019. U.S. tariffs and China's retaliatory tariffs have re-ordered global supply chains and hit U.S. farmers and manufacturers particularly hard. Twelve rounds of negotiations have not resolved the dispute."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Lawrence, Susan V.; Campbell, Caitlin; Fefer, Rachel F. . . .
2019-09-03
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U.S. Trade in Services: Trends and Policy Issues [September 22, 2015]
"'Services' refers to a growing range of economic activities, such as audiovisual; construction; computer and related services; energy; express delivery; e-commerce; financial; professional (such as accounting and legal services); retail and wholesaling; transportation; tourism; and telecommunications. Services have become an important priority in U.S. trade flows and trade policy and of global trade in general, accounting for $710.6 billion of U.S. exports and 80% of U.S. jobs. The types and volume of services that can be traded, however, are limited by their intangibility (as compared to goods), the requirement for direct buyer-provider contact, and other unique characteristics. […] The United States is the world's largest exporter of services (14.3% of the global total in 2013) and the largest importer (9.8% of the global total in 2013). Rapid advances in information technology and the related growth of global value and supply chains have reduced barriers to trade in services, making an expanding range of services tradable across national borders. A number of economists have argued that 'behind the border' barriers imposed by foreign governments prevent U.S. trade in services from expanding to their full potential. […] Congress and U.S. trade negotiators face other issues, including how to balance the need for effective regulations with the objective of opening markets for trade in services; ensuring adequate and accurate data to measure trade in services to better inform trade policy; and determining whether further international cooperation efforts are needed to improve the regulatory environment for services trade beyond initial market access. This report provides background information and analysis on these and other emerging issues and U.S. international trade in services, in general. "
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2015-09-22
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U.S. Trade Concepts, Performance, and Policy: Frequently Asked Questions [November 5, 2015]
"Congress plays a major role in U.S. trade policy through its legislative and oversight authority. There are a number of major trade issues that are currently the focus of Congress. For example, bills were introduced in the 113th Congress to reauthorize Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and the U.S. Export-Import Bank, and legislative action on these issues could be forthcoming in the 114th Congress. Additionally, Congress has been involved with proposed free trade agreements (FTAs), including the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) involving the United States and 11 other countries and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the United States and the European Union (EU). Also of interest to Congress are current plurilateral negotiations for a Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) and an updated multilateral Information Technology (ITA) agreement in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trade and investment policies of major U.S. trading partners (such as China), especially when they are deemed harmful to U.S. economic interests, are also of continued concern to Congress. Recent improved U.S. relations with Cuba have resulted in the introduction of several bills to boost bilateral commercial ties. The costs and benefits of trade to the U.S. economy, firms, workers, and constituents, and the future direction of U.S. trade policy, are the subject of ongoing debates in Congress. This report provides information and context for these and many other trade topics."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Morrison, Wayne M.; Bolle, Mary Jane; Jackson, James K., 1949- . . .
2015-11-05
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U.S. Trade in Services: Trends and Policy Issues [November 3, 2015]
"'Services' refers to a growing range of economic activities, such as audiovisual; construction; computer and related services; energy; express delivery; e-commerce; financial; professional (such as accounting and legal services); retail and wholesaling; transportation; tourism; and telecommunications. Services have become an important priority in U.S. trade flows and trade policy and of global trade in general, accounting for $710.6 billion of U.S. exports and 80% of U.S. jobs. The types and volume of services that can be traded, however, are limited by their intangibility (as compared to goods), the requirement for direct buyer-provider contact, and other unique characteristics. The Administration is currently negotiating three trade agreements that include services as a significant component. If negotiations are concluded, Congress will consider legislation to implement the agreements. […] Congress and U.S. trade negotiators face other issues, including how to balance the need for effective regulations with the objective of opening markets for trade in services; ensuring adequate and accurate data to measure trade in services to better inform trade policy; and determining whether further international cooperation efforts are needed to improve the regulatory environment for services trade beyond initial market access. This report provides background information and analysis on these and other emerging issues and U.S. international trade in services, in general."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2015-11-03
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World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction [Updated February 15, 2019]
"The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that administers the trade rules and agreements negotiated by its 164 members to eliminate trade barriers and create nondiscriminatory rules to govern trade. It also serves as an important forum for resolving trade disputes. The United States was a major force behind the establishment of the WTO in 1995 and the rules and agreements that resulted from the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations (1986-1994). The WTO encompassed and expanded on the commitments and institutional functions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which was established in 1947 by the United States and 22 other nations. Through the GATT and WTO, the United States and other countries sought to establish a more open, rules-based trading system in the postwar era, with the goal of fostering international economic cooperation, stability, and prosperity worldwide. Today, the vast majority of world trade, approximately 98%, takes place among WTO members."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2019-02-15
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World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction [November 29, 2018]
"The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that administers the trade rules and agreements negotiated by its 164 members to eliminate trade barriers and create nondiscriminatory rules to govern trade. It also serves as an important forum for resolving trade disputes. The United States was a major force behind the establishment of the WTO in 1995 and the rules and agreements that resulted from the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations (1986-1994). The WTO encompassed and expanded on the commitments and institutional functions of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which was established in 1947 by the United States and 22 other nations. Through the GATT and WTO, the United States and other countries sought to establish a more open, rules-based trading system in the postwar era, with the goal of fostering international economic cooperation, stability,and prosperity worldwide. Today, the vast majority of world trade, approximately 98%, takes place among WTO members."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fefer, Rachel F.; Fergusson, Ian F.
2018-11-29
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World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction [Updated October 2, 2019]
From the Introduction: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) is an international organization that administers the trade rules and agreements negotiated by its 164 members to eliminate trade barriers and create nondiscriminatory rules to govern trade. It also serves as an important forum for resolving trade disputes. [...] With growing debate over the role and future direction of the WTO, a number of issues may be of interest to Congress, including the value of U.S. membership and leadership in the WTO, whether new U.S. negotiating objectives or oversight hearings are needed to address prospects for new WTO reforms and rulemaking, and the relevant authorities and the impact of potential WTO withdrawal on U.S. economic and foreign policy interests. This report provides background history of the WTO, its organization, and current status of negotiations. The report also explores concerns some have regarding the WTO's future direction and key policy issues for Congress."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Cimino-Isaacs, Cathleen D.; Fergusson, Ian F.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-10-02
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World Trade Organization [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Overview: "The World Trade Organization (WTO) was established on January 1, 1995, following the ratification of the Uruguay Round Agreements and today includes 164 members. [...] The WTO has three basic functions: (1) administers existing agreements; (2) serves as a negotiating forum for new trade liberalization; and (3) provides a mechanism to settle trade disputes among the parties. The multiple WTO Agreements cover trade in goods, services, and agriculture; remove tariff and nontariff barriers; and establish rules on government practices that directly relate to trade--for example, trade remedies, technical barriers to trade, customs valuation, intellectual property rights, and government procurement. The Agreements are based on the principles of nondiscrimination among countries, national treatment, and transparency of trade rules and regulations. Some exceptions, however, such as preferential treatment for developing countries and regional and bilateral free trade agreements, are allowed."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fergusson, Ian F.; Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-10-01
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What is the Proposed U.S.-EU Insurance Covered Agreement? [May 17, 2017]
"On January 13, 2017, the United States and European Union (EU) concluded negotiations on the first insurance covered agreement. A covered agreement is a relatively new form of international agreement, established along with the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) in Title V of the Dodd-Frank Act (P.L. 111-203). The statute defines a covered agreement as a type of international insurance or reinsurance agreement for recognition of prudential measures that FIO and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) negotiate on a bilateral or multilateral basis. After such an agreement, FIO has relatively narrow authority to preempt state laws that are inconsistent with the agreement and result in less favorable treatment for foreign insurers. Such preemption, however, may not apply to any state insurance measure that 'governs any insurer's rates, premiums, underwriting, or sales practices.' Although FIO and USTR must consult with Congress on the negotiations, the statute does not require specific authorization or approval from Congress for the covered agreement to take effect."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird; Fefer, Rachel F.
2017-05-17
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What Is the Proposed U.S.-EU Insurance Covered Agreement? [February 7, 2017]
"On January 13, 2017, the United States and European Union (EU) concluded negotiations on the first insurance 'covered agreement'. A covered agreement is a relatively new form of international agreement, established along with the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) in Title V of the Dodd-Frank Act (P.L. 111-203). The statute defines a covered agreement as a type of international insurance or reinsurance agreement for recognition of prudential measures that FIO and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) negotiate on a bilateral or multilateral basis. After such an agreement, FIO has relatively narrow authority to preempt state laws that are inconsistent with the agreement and result in less favorable treatment for foreign insurers."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird; Fefer, Rachel F.
2017-02-07
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Digital Trade [Updated March 29, 2019]
From the Document: "The rapid growth of digital technologies in recent years has facilitated economic activity and created new opportunities for U.S. consumers and businesses. For example, consumers today access e-commerce, social media, telemedicine, and other offerings not imagined 30 years ago. Businesses use advanced technology to reach new markets, track global supply chains, analyze big data, and create new products and services. At the same time, new technologies raise new trade policy issues, including the lack of common disciplines to help govern such trade, the emergence of new trade barriers and broader public policy questions about online information."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-03-29
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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
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International Trade and E-commerce [May 1, 2019]
From the Document: "The McKinsey Global Institute estimates that e-commerce accounts for 12% of global trade of physical goods, both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C or retail) sales. The U.S. International Trade Commission reports global e-commerce totaled over $27 trillion in 2016, with B2B comprising over 85% of that total. Other studies show 1.8 billion people globally purchased goods online in 2018, and 57% of online buyers purchase from foreign sellers. Nevertheless, certain foreign trade policies, infrastructure inconsistencies, and the lack of globally-enforceable rules potentially hinder further e-commerce growth both globally and within U.S. borders."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Fefer, Rachel F.
2019-05-01
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What is the Proposed U.S.-EU Insurance Covered Agreement? [June 9, 2017]
"Recent growth of domestic crude oil production has resulted in an unprecedented expansion of the United States' oil pipeline network. One major oil pipeline recently constructed is the Dakota Access Pipeline, a 30-inch diameter, 1,172-mile project that carries crude oil produced in northwest North Dakota to southern Illinois (Figure 1). The Dakota Access Pipeline's maximum capacity is 570,000 barrels per day. […] The federal government does not have jurisdiction over the siting of domestic oil pipelines. Instead, authorization for the overall route must be granted by individual states. The Dakota Access Pipeline developer, Energy Transfer Partners, was granted siting approval from state utility regulators in South Dakota and Illinois in 2015, and from North Dakota and Iowa early in 2016."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Webel, Baird; Fefer, Rachel F.
2017-06-09
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Brexit and Outlook for a U.S.-UK Free Trade Agreement [Updated January 14, 2021]
From the document: "The United Kingdom (UK) is a major U.S. trade and economic partner, and foreign direct investment (FDI) and affiliated activity are key aspects of bilateral ties. The United States is the UK's largest trading partner by country, while the European Union (EU), as a bloc, is its largest overall partner. Brexit, the UK's withdrawal from the EU, and the conclusion of a new UK-EU trade agreement are significant for a potential U.S.-UK free trade agreement (FTA), initiated by the Trump Administration. If a Biden Administration continues FTA negotiations, Congress may actively monitor and shape them, and could consider implementing legislation for any final agreement"
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias; Fefer, Rachel F.; Schwarzenberg, Andres B.
2021-01-14
