Advanced search    Help

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).

• NAFTA Renegotiation and the Proposed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) [Updated February 26, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The 116th Congress, in both its legislative and oversight capacities, faces numerous trade policy issues related to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations and the proposed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). On May 18, 2017, the Trump Administration sent a 90-day notification to Congress of its intent to begin talks with Canada and Mexico to renegotiate and modernize NAFTA, as required by the 2015 Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Talks officially began on August 16, 2017. On September 30, 2018, leaders from the United States, Canada, and Mexico announced the conclusion of the negotiations for a modernized NAFTA, which would now be called the USMCA. [...] This report provides a brief overview of NAFTA and the role of Congress in the renegotiation process, and discusses key provisions in the proposed USMCA, as well as issues related to the negotiations. It also provides a discussion of policy implications for Congress going forward. It will not examine existing NAFTA provisions and economic relations in depth."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Villarreal, M. Angeles; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2019-02-26
• World Trade Organization [Updated March 7, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  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
• Proposed U.S. - Mexico - Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement [October 5, 2018]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On September 30, 2018, the United States and Canada reached an agreement for Canada to join the preliminarily agreed upon pact with Mexico to update and revise the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and to rename it the U.S. - Mexico - Canada Agreement (USMCA). Pursuant to trade promotion authority (TPA), the preliminary agreement with Mexico was notified to Congress on August 31, 2018, in part to allow for the signing of the agreement prior to Mexico's president-elect Andreas Manuel Lopez Obrador taking office on December 1, 2018. This product provides preliminary comparative analysis between the two agreements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Villarreal, M. Angeles

  2018-10-05
• Proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement [Updated February 22, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On November 30, 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Concluded on September 30, 2018, USMCA would revise and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Pursuant to trade promotion authority (TPA), the Administration notified Congress of its intention to sign the agreement with Mexico on August 31, 2018. Canada joined the agreement on September 30, 2018, and it was signed by the three parties on November 30. This product provides preliminary comparative analysis between the two agreements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Villarreal, M. Angeles

  2019-02-22
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and International Trade [Updated March 13, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  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
• Proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement [Updated July 24, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "On November 30, 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Concluded on September 30, 2018, USMCA would revise and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Pursuant to trade promotion authority (TPA), the Administration notified Congress of its intention to enter into an agreement with Mexico, and with Canada if it was willing to join. On September 30, 2018, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced that the three countries had reached an agreement on a USMCA trade deal that would revise, modernize, and replace NAFTA upon ratification. On May 30, 2019, the Administration submitted a draft Statement of Administrative Action (SAA) to implement the proposed USMCA and a copy of the legal text, in accordance with TPA procedures. This product provides preliminary comparative analysis between the two agreements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Villarreal, M. Angeles

  2019-07-24
• U.S. Trade Policy: Background and Current Issues [Updated July 22, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  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
• USMCA: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) [Updated January 6, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Background: "The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) negotiated among the three parties to update and replace the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). [...] USMCA would make notable changes to NAFTA provisions on intellectual property (IP)--creations of the mind embodied in physical and digital objects. IPR [intellectual property rights] are time-limited rights that governments grant to inventors and artists to exclude others from using their inventions and creations without permission. [...] IP-intensive goods and services are an important part of U.S. trade with Canada and Mexico. The United States has expressed concern over certain IPR policies in both countries in recent years."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Akhtar, Shayerah Ilias

  2020-01-06
• USMCA: Amendment and Key Changes [Updated January 10, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "On December 10, 2019, the United States, Canada, and Mexico agreed to a protocol of amendment to the proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The amendments include modifications to key elements of the original text in regard to dispute settlement, labor and environmental provisions, intellectual property rights (IPR), and steel and aluminum requirements in the rules of origin for autos. On December 13, the Trump Administration submitted to Congress the proposed USMCA implementing legislation, which also reflects the recent amendments. On the same day, the United States-Mexico-Canada Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) was introduced in the House of Representatives. On December 16, the companion bill was introduced in the Senate (S. 3052). The House Ways and Means Committee approved the legislation on December 17, 2019, and the full House approved it on December 19, 2019, by a vote of 385-41. On January 7, 2020, the Senate Finance Committee approved the legislation."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Villarreal, M. Angeles; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2020-01-10
• World Trade Organization: Overview and Future Direction [Updated December 6, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  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
• Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) [Updated June 21, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "The Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), previously known as 'Fast-Track Authority,' is the time-limited authority that Congress uses to set trade negotiating objectives, to establish notification and consultation requirements, and to consider implementing legislation for certain reciprocal trade agreements under expedited procedures, provided that they meet certain statutory requirements."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2019-06-21
• Canada's October 2019 Elections [October 11, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Canada is to hold parliamentary elections on October 21, 2019. Polls suggest a close race, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party struggling to hold onto the majority they won in 2015. The outcome of the election could have implications for the United States, which is closely bound to Canada by a 5,500-mile border, extensive commercial ties, and mutual defense commitments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2019-10-11
• Dispute Settlement in the WTO and U.S. Trade Agreements [Updated December 6, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The United States traditionally has championed the use of effective and reciprocal dispute settlement (DS) mechanisms to enforce commitments in the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in U.S. free trade agreements (FTAs). While effective and enforceable DS has been a long-standing U.S. trade negotiating objective, its use has become controversial following some adverse decisions, particularly with regard to U.S. trade remedy law."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2019-12-06
• Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) [Updated December 23, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "The Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), previously known as 'Fast-Track Authority,' is the time-limited authority that Congress uses to set trade negotiating objectives, to establish notification and consultation requirements, and to consider implementing legislation for certain reciprocal trade agreements under expedited procedures, provided that they meet certain statutory requirements. [...] The Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA) (P.L. 114-26) was signed by then-President Obama on June 29, 2015, after a contentious legislative debate. TPA is authorized through July 1, 2021."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2019-12-23
• NAFTA and the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) [Updated March 2, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "The 116th Congress, in both its legislative and oversight capacities, has been active in numerous trade policy issues related to renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its replacement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). In May 2017, the Trump Administration sent a 90-day notification to Congress of its intent to begin talks with Canada and Mexico to renegotiate and modernize NAFTA, as required by the 2015 Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). Negotiations officially began on August 16, 2017, and were concluded on September 30, 2018. The USMCA was signed on November 30, 2018. The agreement was approved by the House of Representatives (H.R. 5430) on December 19, 2019, by a vote of 385-41, and by the Senate (S. 3052) on January 16, 2020, by a vote of 89-10. President Trump signed the USMCA implementing legislation on January 29, 2020 (P.L. 116-113). All three parties must ratify the agreement and have regulations and laws in effect to meet their USMCA commitments before the agreement enters into force."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Villarreal, M. Angeles; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2020-03-02
• Proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement [Updated January 10, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "On November 30, 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the United States-MexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA would revise and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in place since 1994. Pursuant to trade promotion authority (TPA), the Administration notified Congress of its intention to enter into USMCA. [...] On December 13, 2019, the Trump Administration submitted to Congress the proposed USMCA implementing legislation. On the same day, the United States-Mexico Canada Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) was introduced in the House of Representatives. On December 16, the companion bill was introduced in the Senate (S. 3052). The House Ways and Means Committee approved the legislation on December 17, 2019, and the full House approved the bill on December 19, 2019, by a vote of 385-41. The Senate Finance Committee approved the legislation on January 7, 2020."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Villarreal, M. Angeles; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2020-01-10
• Canada's October 2019 Elections [Updated October 17, 2019]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Canada is to hold parliamentary elections on October 21, 2019. Polls suggest a close race, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party struggling to hold onto the majority they won in 2015. The outcome of the election could have implications for the United States, which is closely bound to Canada by a 5,500-mile border, extensive commercial ties, and mutual defense commitments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Meyer, Peter J.; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2019-10-17
• USMCA: Amendment and Key Changes [Updated January 30, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "On December 10, 2019, the United States, Canada, and Mexico agreed to a protocol of amendment to the proposed U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The amendments include modifications to key elements of the original text in regard to dispute settlement, labor and environmental provisions, intellectual property rights (IPR), and steel and aluminum requirements in the rules of origin for autos. On December 13, the Trump Administration submitted to Congress the proposed USMCA implementing legislation, which also reflects the recent amendments. [...] The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) and some Members of Congress negotiated proposed changes to the USMCA to address ongoing congressional concerns. USTR then negotiated the amendments with USMCA parties. Mexico was the first country to ratify the agreement in June 2019 and approve the amendments by a 107-1 vote in the Mexican Senate on December 12, 2019. Canada's Parliament is expected to ratify it in early 2020. Congress is considering USMCA under TPA rules, which is the time-limited authority that Congress uses to consider implementing legislation for trade agreements under expedited procedures, provided that they meet certain statutory requirements. Under TPA [Trade Promotion Authority], Congress has a maximum of 90 legislative days to vote on the agreement."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Villarreal, M. Angeles; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2020-01-30
• U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) Trade Agreement [Updated January 30, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Overview: "On November 30, 2018, President Trump and the leaders of Canada and Mexico signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). USMCA would revise and modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), in place since 1994. Pursuant to trade promotion authority (TPA), the Administration notified Congress of its intention to enter into USMCA. On December 10, 2019, the United States, Canada, and Mexico agreed to a protocol of amendment to the proposed USMCA. The revisions include modifications to key elements of the original text regarding dispute settlement, labor and environmental provisions, intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, and steel and aluminum requirements in the motor vehicle industry rules of origin. Amendments also provide for a facility-specific rapid response labor mechanism to address worker rights provisions. The Trump Administration submitted the proposed implementing legislation to Congress on December 13, 2019. On the same day, the USMCA Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) was introduced in the House of Representatives. On December 16, the companion bill was introduced in the Senate (S. 3052). The legislation was passed by the House Ways and Means Committee on December 17; by the full House on December 19 by a vote of 385-41; by the Senate Finance Committee on January 7, 2020; and by the full Senate on January 16 by a vote of 89- 10. President Trump signed the legislation on January 29, 2020 (P.L. 116-113)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Villarreal, M. Angeles; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2020-01-30
• U.S. Export Control System and the Export Control Reform Initiative [Updated January 28, 2020]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Document: "Difficulty with striking an appropriate balance between national security and export competitiveness has made the subject of export controls controversial for decades. Through the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the Export Controls Act of 2018 (ECA), and other authorities, the United States restricts the export of defense articles; dual-use goods and technology; certain nuclear materials and technology; and items that would assist in the proliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons or the missile technology used to deliver them. U.S. export controls are also used to restrict exports to certain countries on which the United States imposes economic sanctions. The ECA legislates dual-use controls."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Kerr, Paul K.; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2020-01-28
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Negotiations and Issues for Congress [December 13, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The TPP [Trans-Pacific Partnership] serves several strategic goals in U.S. trade policy. First, it is the leading trade policy initiative of the Obama Administration, and is a manifestation of the Administration's 'rebalance' to the Asia-Pacific. If concluded, it may serve to shape the economic architecture of the Asia- Pacific region by harmonizing existing agreements with U.S. FTA [Free Trade Agreement] partners, attracting new participants, and establishing regional rules on new policy issues facing the global economy-- possibly providing impetus to future multilateral liberalization under the WTO [World Trade Organization]. As the negotiations proceed, a number of issues important to Congress are emerging. One is whether the United States can balance its vision of creating a 'comprehensive and high standard' agreement with a large and expanding group of countries, while not insisting on terms that other countries will reject. Another issue is how Congress will consider the TPP, if concluded. The present negotiations are not being conducted under the auspices of formal trade promotion authority (TPA)--the latest TPA expired on July 1, 2007--although the Administration informally is following the procedures of the former TPA. If TPP implementing legislation is brought to Congress, TPA may need to be considered if the legislation is not to be subject to potentially debilitating amendments or rejection. In addition, Members of Congress may wish to consider whether the current chapters included in the agreement appropriately address their trade policy concerns, as well as the potential agreement's impact on the multilateral trading system."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Cooper, William H., 1949-; Jurenas, Remy . . .

  2013-12-13
• Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement [April 14, 2010]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The economic and strategic architectures of Asia are evolving. One part of this evolving architecture is the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), a free trade agreement [FTA] that includes nations on both sides of the Pacific. The existing TPP, which originally came into effect in 2006, consists of Brunei, Chile, New Zealand, and Singapore. The United States, Australia, Peru, and Vietnam have committed themselves to joining and expanding this group. […] China's rapidly expanding economy and Japan's developed economy have made them attractive trading partners to many Asian nations. Many regional states also view the United States as having been distracted by events in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years. This has led some to increasingly look to China and Japan as key partners. China's approach to the region has also shifted dramatically in recent decades as it now pursues its interests with the region in a relatively accommodative manner. U.S. participation in the TPP would involve the negotiation of FTAs with New Zealand, Brunei, and, potentially, Vietnam. The United States currently has FTAs in force with Chile, Singapore, Australia, and Peru. Bilateral negotiations with New Zealand may focus on agricultural goods such as beef and dairy products. The possible inclusion of Vietnam may prove controversial from the standpoint of certain U.S. industry groups, such as textiles and apparel, as well as those concerned with labor, human rights and intellectual property issues. The involvement of Vietnam could add a higher level of difficulty, yet is illustrative of the challenges associated with developing a truly Asia-Pacific-wide trade grouping."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Vaughn, Bruce, 1963-; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2010-04-14
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): In Brief [February 9, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) among 12 Asia-Pacific countries, which the Obama Administration casts as comprehensive and high standard, with economic and strategic significance for the United States. The 12 countries (including the United States) announced the conclusion of the TPP negotiations and released the text of the agreement in late 2015. Trade ministers from the TPP countries signed the final agreement text on February 4, 2016, but Congress would need to pass implementing legislation for the agreement to enter into force for the United States. It would be eligible to receive expedited legislative consideration under Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), P.L. 114-26, if Congress determines the Administration has advanced the TPA negotiating objectives, and has met various notification and consultation requirements. Through the TPP, the participating countries seek to liberalize trade and investment and establish new rules and disciplines in the region beyond those that already exist in the World Trade Organization (WTO). The FTA is envisioned as a living agreement open to future members and new issues and may become a vehicle to advance a wider Asia-Pacific free trade area. Indonesia, the Philippines, and South Korea have recently indicated their interest in joining the TPP. It is also a U.S. policy response to the rapidly increasing economic and strategic linkages among Asian-Pacific nations and has become the economic centerpiece of the Administration's 'rebalance' toward the region. […]This report briefly summarizes some of the key provisions listed generally in alphabetical order. Additional analysis of the agreement will be forthcoming."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; McMinimy, Mark A.; Williams, Brock R.

  2016-02-09
• Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): In Brief [January 8, 2016]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed free trade agreement (FTA) among 12 Asia-Pacific countries, with both economic and strategic significance for the United States. If approved, it would be the largest FTA in which the United States participates. The 12 countries announced the conclusion of the TPP negotiations on October 5, 2015, after several years of ongoing talks. The President released the text of the agreement and notified Congress of his intent to sign on November 5, 2015. Congress would need to pass implementing legislation for a final TPP agreement to enter into force for the United States. [...] The Obama Administration, joined by many analysts as well as many policymakers in the region, has argued that the strategic value of a potential TPP agreement parallels its economic value, contending that the agreement would strengthen U.S. allies and partners and reaffirm U.S. economic leadership in the region. The President has repeatedly highlighted the importance of maintaining U.S. leadership in crafting global trade rules, notably with reference to potentially alternative Chinese initiatives. China is not a party to the TPP. Others argue that past trade pacts have had a limited impact on broad foreign policy dynamics."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; McMinimy, Mark A.; Williams, Brock R.

  2016-01-08
• Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [Updated November 14, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy, it argues, will push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional, and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Critics contend, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. The United States is participating in several other regional and bilateral trade negotiations. Agreements were concluded and became effective during the 108th Congress with Australia, Chile, and Singapore. Also during the 108th Congress, an agreement with Morocco was approved, but it did not take effect until January 1, 2006. Legislation to implement the Central American Free Trade Agreement and the FTA with Bahrain were approved by Congress in the first session of the 109th Congress. Negotiations are underway with Panama, Thailand, three Andean nations (Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador), and the United Arab Emirates. Negotiations have recently concluded with Peru, Colombia, and Oman. USTR [United States Trade Representative] announced the launch of FTA negotiations with South Korea on February 3, 2006, and with Malaysia on March 8. Several other trade initiatives are under discussion, including a U.S.-Middle East FTA and an FTA with countries in southeast Asia."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2006-11-14
• Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [Updated September 15, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy, it argues, will push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional, and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Critics contend, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. The United States is participating in several other regional and bilateral trade negotiations. Agreements were concluded and became effective during the 108th Congress with Australia, Chile, and Singapore. Also during the 108th Congress, an agreement with Morocco was approved, but it did not take effect until January 1, 2006. Legislation to implement the Central American Free Trade Agreement and the FTA with Bahrain were approved by Congress in the first session of the 109th Congress. Negotiations are underway with Panama, Thailand, three Andean nations (Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador), and the United Arab Emirates. Negotiations have recently concluded with Peru, Colombia, and Oman. USTR announced the launch of FTA negotiations with South Korea on February 3, 2006, and with Malaysia on March 8. Several other trade initiatives are under discussion, including a U.S.-Middle East FTA and an FTA with countries in southeast Asia."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2006-09-15
• Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [Updated July 6, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy, it argues, will push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional, and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Critics contend, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. The United States is participating in several other regional and bilateral trade negotiations. Agreements were concluded and became effective during the 108th Congress with Australia, Chile, and Singapore. Also during the 108th Congress, an agreement with Morocco was approved, but it did not take effect until January 1, 2006. Legislation to implement the Central American Free Trade Agreement and the FTA with Bahrain were approved by Congress in the first session of the 109th Congress. Negotiations are underway with Panama, Thailand, three Andean nations (Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador), and the United Arab Emirates. Negotiations have recently concluded with Peru, Colombia, and Oman. USTR announced the launch of FTA negotiations with South Korea on February 3, 2006, and with Malaysia on March 8. Several other trade initiatives are under discussion, including a U.S.-Middle East FTA and an FTA with countries in southeast Asia."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2006-07-06
• Terrorism and National Security: Issues and Trends [Updated May 10, 2006]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy, it argues, will push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Critics contend, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. The controversial CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) -- an agreement signed with the five countries of the Central American Common Market (CACM) and the Dominican Republic -- was passed by the House on July 28, 2005, by a vote of 217- 215. Later in the day, the Senate approved the House version of the legislation to implement CAFTA, and President Bush signed it on August 2 (P.L. 109-53). In December 2005, Congress approved implementing legislation for the Bahrain FTA and President Bush signed the legislation of January 11, 2006 (P.L. 109-169). The United States is participating in several other regional and bilateral trade negotiations. Agreements were concluded and became effective during the 108th Congress with Australia, Chile, and Singapore. Also during the 108th Congress, an agreement with Morocco was approved, but it did not take effect until January 1, 2006. Negotiations are underway with Panama, Thailand, three Andean nations (Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador), and the United Arab Emirates. Negotiations have recently concluded with Peru, Colombia, and Oman. USTR announced the launch of FTA negotiations with South Korea on February 3, 2006, and with Malaysia on March 8. Several other trade initiatives are under discussion, including a U.S.-Middle East FTA and an FTA with countries in southeast Asia."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.

  2006-05-10
• Transatlantic Regulatory Cooperation: Background and Analysis [Updated May 3, 2005]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy, it argues, will push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Some contend, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. The United States is participating in several regional and bilateral trade negotiations. Agreements were concluded and became effective during the 108th Congress with Australia, Chile, Morocco, and Singapore. Agreements have been signed with the five countries of the Central American Common Market (CACM) and the Dominican Republic, and with Bahrain. Negotiations are underway with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU), Panama, and Thailand. Talks with the Andean nations of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador began in May 2004. Negotiations are expected to begin with the United Arab Emirates and Oman early in 2005. Several other trade initiatives are under discussion, including a U.S.-Middle East FTA and an FTA with countries in southeast Asia."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Sek, Lenore; Fergusson, Ian F.

  2005-05-03
• Trade Negotiations in the 108th Congress [Updated October 12, 2004]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Bush Administration has made bilateral and regional free-trade agreements (FTAs) more important elements of U.S. trade policy, a strategy known as 'competitive liberalization.' This strategy is designed to push forward trade liberalization simultaneously on bilateral, regional and multilateral fronts. It is meant to spur trade negotiations by liberalizing trade with countries willing to join FTAs, and to pressure other countries to negotiate multilaterally. Some argue, however, that the accent on regional and bilateral negotiations undermines the multilateral forum and increases the risk of trade diversion away from competitive countries not in the trade bloc. The broadest trade initiative being negotiated during the 108th Congress is the multilateral trade negotiations in the World Trade Organization (WTO). In November 2001, trade ministers from 142 WTO member countries agreed to launch a new round of trade talks covering market access, WTO institutional rules, and developing-country issues. A framework agreement on future negotiations was concluded in Geneva on August 1, 2004, but a new deadline must be set for the talks. Another major initiative is the Free Trade Area of the Americas. In April 1998, 34 Western Hemisphere nations formally initiated negotiations on tariffs and nontariff trade barriers in the hemisphere. Negotiators have released drafts of an agreement-in-progress. Trade ministers met in Miami in November 2003 and announced a blueprint for negotiations, but the talks have now stalled."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Fergusson, Ian F.; Sek, Lenore

  2004-10-12