ITI, the global tech trade association, has responded to the 2024 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report on Foreign Trade Barriers with a statement from its President and CEO, Jason Oxman. In the statement, Oxman expressed concerns about the barriers hindering digital trade and e-commerce, which are impeding U.S. exports globally.

According to Oxman, the NTE Report highlights some digital trade barriers but falls short in addressing broader concerns. He emphasized the need for the USTR and the Biden Administration to advocate more vigorously for U.S. companies by addressing issues such as local content requirements, data localization, and testing and certification regimes in key markets like India, Brazil, and Indonesia.

Oxman urged for a more robust defense of U.S. interests, stating, "USTR and the entire Biden Administration should step up and defend U.S. interests by calling out all policies that discriminate against U.S. companies, increase the costs of doing business, divert trade and investment, undermine security, and discourage innovation."

In anticipation of the 2024 NTE Report, ITI had previously released an impact report illustrating how digital trade barriers negatively affect U.S. and multinational businesses. The full report is available for reference.

The call to action from ITI underscores the importance of addressing digital trade barriers and advocating for fair practices that benefit U.S. companies in the global market.