Washington – The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has emphasized the crucial role of trade in enhancing supply chain resilience. In response to a proceeding by the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), CCIA submitted comments underscoring the significance of trade policies in strengthening supply chains.
CCIA Vice President of Digital Trade, Jonathan McHale, expressed concerns regarding the potential misrepresentation of the impact of trade on supply chain resilience and broader economic issues. McHale stated, "USTR’s Federal Register Notice devotes much of its space to broad-sweeping claims asserting that U.S. trade policy has been the source of supply chain failures and societal ills. Overstating causal links between trade policy and negative economic impacts threatens to lead to policy that does away with all of the benefits that trade brings to resilience."
McHale highlighted the positive role that formal trade agreements can play in addressing these challenges, noting that they can promote confidence for investors and ensure fair access to markets for industries like semiconductors. Additionally, commitments to facilitate cross-border data flows and prevent unjust data localization are crucial for enhancing data security and enabling U.S. suppliers to connect with foreign markets.
CCIA is set to testify at USTR’s upcoming hearing on May 2 to provide further insights on the intersection between trade policy and supply chain resilience. The association, with a history of advocating for digital trade rules that benefit the global economy, continues to emphasize the importance of trade in building robust supply chains and fostering economic growth.
