Southern West Virginia News

Washington D.C. – Congresswoman Carol Miller and 12 of her colleagues have raised alarm over the exclusion of digital trade references in this year's National Trade Estimate (NTE). In a letter addressed to United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai, the lawmakers expressed deep concerns about the absence of crucial information in the report.

The letter, co-signed by Representatives Ron Estes, Adrian Smith, Michelle Steel, Lloyd Smucker, David Schweikert, Beth Van Duyne, Randy Feenstra, Darin LaHood, Claudia Tenney, Mike Kelly, Kevin Hern, and A. Drew Ferguson IV, highlighted the significance of digital trade in driving U.S. economic growth and maintaining global leadership. The lawmakers emphasized the importance of identifying and addressing foreign trade barriers, particularly in the digital sector.

The members of Congress criticized USTR for failing to consult with them regarding the lack of references to digital trade barriers in the NTE, noting that the exclusion undermines the purpose for which the NTE was created. They underscored the vital role of digital trade in supporting American technological competitiveness abroad and protecting the livelihoods of millions of Americans dependent on the digital and e-commerce sectors.

Regarding USTR's explanation for scaling back references to digital trade barriers, the lawmakers expressed skepticism and urged a reevaluation of the decision. They argued that allowing foreign countries to deploy trade barriers under the guise of public interest poses a threat to American competitiveness and the digital economy's leadership.

In conclusion, the lawmakers urged USTR to uphold its statutory mandate and maintain a focus on identifying and addressing digital trade barriers. They emphasized the importance of providing American companies with adequate protections to compete on the global stage and called for a collaborative effort to confront unfair trade practices imposed by foreign governments.

The concerns raised by Congresswoman Miller and her colleagues highlight the pivotal role of digital trade in the U.S. economy and the necessity of proactive measures to safeguard American interests in the global marketplace.