The Senate has confirmed Jamieson Greer as the new United States Trade Representative. In his hearing before the Senate Finance Committee, Greer emphasized his commitment to the USTR's core mission of negotiating and enforcing trade rules and addressing unreasonable or discriminatory barriers, particularly in the digital sector. The government reports that in 2023, U.S. companies exported $656 billion worth of digitally delivered services, representing 2.4% of GDP.
This confirmation follows an "America First" Executive Order issued last month by the new Administration, which aims to combat discrimination against U.S. companies, such as Digital Services Taxes imposed by countries like the UK, France, and Canada.
The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) has provided examples of digital trade barriers to the USTR as part of its annual Special 301 report on trade obstacles and released a digital trade Priority List this month.
Jonathan McHale, CCIA Vice President of Digital Trade, stated: “During his confirmation hearing, Greer repeatedly confirmed that he would fight to allow U.S. companies to expand to global markets and to enforce existing trade agreements while exploring opportunities to strike new digital trade commitments with key partners. Digital trade is an area where the U.S. is a leading exporter so the new policy direction is good news for the United States, and for the long-term competitiveness of the U.S. economy.”
McHale added: “At a time when longtime trading partners are enacting new discriminatory regulations and taxes targeting U.S. companies, often in violation of trade commitments, it is encouraging to see USTR’s commitment to the mission Congress intended: standing up for U.S. economic interests abroad.”
