Trump's "America First" philosophy and weaponization of tariffs against even our closest allies present tough issues for the Biden administration. With almost 100 days into the new administration at the time of this talk, how is President Biden's trade policy shaping up? Biden has stated that he wants to work with allies to develop a coherent strategy on trade, especially in regard to China. However, Trump left Biden with a Phase 1 trade deal with China which includes high tariffs on most imports from China and complex problems, such as intellectual property protection and forced technology transfer, still unresolved. Trump also pulled out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Will Biden seek to reengage in the successor agreement that the other countries reached--the Comprehensive & Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)? While Biden’s détente with allies is a positive sign, there are trade irritants with allies in both the east and west. In line with his pledge to work with allies, on March 5, 2021 the U.S. and Europe agreed to a four-month suspension of all tariffs imposed in the World Trade Organization (WTO) disputes involving aircraft producers Airbus and Boeing, committing to work to a permanent solution. But what will happen to the steel and aluminum tariffs on imports from our allies? And what will happen to the WTO which was left in disarray with blockage of appointments to the Appellate Body? The USTR has said that she will strive to restore U.S. leadership in the organization and work on much needed reform. The conversation will address what we might expect from the new administration. The panelists will present their views on how U.S. allies in Europe and Asia might receive President Biden's rapprochement.
