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AFP: Free Trade Groups Urge Administration to Lead WTO Reform Efforts

Oct 23, 2019 by AFP

Arlington, Va. – A collection of 10 free trade advocates called on the Trump administration today to lead efforts to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO) Appellate Body, warning that current uncertainty is “undermining the rules-based global trading system” and the many U.S. jobs dependent upon it.

In a letter to the president, the organizations championed the WTO dispute settlement system, noting it “has led to meaningful reductions in unfair practices” and greatly benefited the United States.

“Your administration has identified several issues with respect to the Appellate Body’s procedures, and also the reasoning it has used to reach some of its decisions,” they wrote. “Other nations have expressed a willingness to discuss these concerns; some have offered specific proposals. However, your administration to date has not presented a proposal that could serve as a basis for negotiating improvements to the functioning of the Appellate Body.

“We strongly urge you to state publicly that the goal of the United States is not to kill the Appellate Body, but rather to reform it. We further urge you to develop a reform proposal as quickly as possible and present it to WTO members, while indicating that adoption of such measures would lead to restarting the Appellate Body appointment process.”

The letter was signed by officials from the following organizations:

  • Americans for Prosperity
  • The LIBRE Initiative
  • American Legislative Exchange Council
  • ALEC Action
  • Center for Freedom and Prosperity
  • Coalition of American Metal Manufacturers and Users
  • Competitive Enterprise Institute
  • National Taxpayers Union
  • Precision Metalforming Association
  • R Street Institute

 

Background

 

For further information or to set up an interview, please send an email to GCipriano@afphq.org.

Through broad-based grassroots outreach, Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is driving long-term solutions to the country’s biggest problems. AFP activists engage friends and neighbors on key issues and encourage them to take an active role in building a culture of mutual benefit, where people succeed by helping one another. AFP recruits and unites activists in 35 states behind a common goal of advancing policies that will help people improve their lives. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org

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