In the last few days, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has been at the forefront of several significant trade policy developments and actions.
On March 3, 2025, the USTR delivered President Donald Trump’s 2025 Trade Policy Agenda, the 2024 Annual Report, and the World Trade Organization at Thirty report to Congress. The 2025 Trade Policy Agenda emphasizes a strong "America First" approach, focusing on strengthening the middle class and national defense, and addressing trade deficits by promoting a production-based economy. This agenda includes a thorough review of existing trade agreements, such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), to ensure they operate in the national interest and do not allow third countries to benefit unfairly. The agenda also places a strong focus on U.S. trade relations with China, particularly in enforcing the Phase One Agreement and addressing China’s non-market policies and practices[1].
President Trump has also taken additional actions on reciprocal tariffs, shipping, and digital services taxes. On February 21, 2025, he ordered the USTR to collect input on proposed "reciprocal tariffs" and on potential trade actions to address China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. Additionally, the Treasury Secretary, in collaboration with USTR, Commerce, and other stakeholders, is formulating responses to digital services taxes imposed by other countries, which are seen as hindering American digital services companies. This includes considering tariffs and other measures against countries like Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom[2].
The USTR is currently soliciting comments from the public regarding unfair trade practices maintained by other countries. This notice and comment process, with a deadline of March 11, 2025, aims to gather input on the impact of these practices on American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and businesses. The USTR is particularly interested in comments on the trading practices of major trading partners, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, and others[2].
In another significant move, the United States imposed tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico (25 percent) and China (10 percent) effective March 4, 2025. These tariffs were announced under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and have prompted retaliatory measures from these countries. Canada and Mexico have announced their own tariff and non-tariff retaliatory measures, while China has imposed tariffs on various U.S. products, including chicken, wheat, corn, and cotton, and has also filed a lawsuit against the U.S. in the World Trade Organization[5].
The USTR is also engaged in addressing labor rights and environmental issues. For instance, USTR Katherine Tai has requested Mexico to review whether workers at the Panasonic Automotive Systems de Mexico facility are being denied the rights of free association and collective bargaining, highlighting the ongoing commitment to labor rights in trade agreements[3].
These recent actions and reports underscore the USTR's proactive stance on trade enforcement, its commitment to protecting American interests, and its efforts to reform global trade practices to better serve U.S. workers, businesses, and national security.