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Trade Policy Review Body    
 
* In Original language o nly/En langue originale seulement /En el idioma original solamente . 
  UNITED STATES  
DRAFT MINUTES  OF THE MEETING* HELD ON 19 AND 21 DECEMBER 2 016 
Delegations are invited to submit factual corrections, if any, on their own statement to the 
Secretariat ( Mrs Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , or to  tprd@wto.org ) no later 
than 10 February 2017 . 
 
Organe d'examen des politiques commerciales  
 
ÉTATS-UNIS  
PROJET DE COMPTE REN DU DE LA RÉUNION* TENUE LES 19 ET 21 D ÉCEMBRE 2016  
Les délégatio ns sont invitées à soumettre  leurs éventuelles corrections factuelles concernant leurs 
propres déclarations au Secrétariat ( Mme Barbara Blanquart: barbara.blanquart@wto.org , ou 
tprd@wto.org ) le 10 février 2017  au plus tard.  
 
Órgano de Examen de las Políticas Comerciales  
 
ESTADOS UNIDOS  
PROYECTO DE ACTA DE LA REUNIÓN* CELEBRADA LOS DÍAS 19 Y 21 DE DICIEMBRE  DE 2016  
Las delegaciones pueden enviar a la Secretaría (Sr a. Barbara  Blanquart: 
barbara.blanquart@wto.org , o tprd@wto.org ) a más tardar el 10 de febrero de 2017  las 
correcciones fácticas que deseen introducir en sus propias declaraciones.  
 
 
_______________  
 WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
UNITED STATES 
DRAFT MINUTES OF THE MEETI NG 
Chairperson: Ms Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  
CONTENTS  
 
1   INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ......................  3 
2   OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE UNITED STATES  ..................  5 
3   STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ .............  11 
4   STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  17 
5   REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE UNI TED STATES AND 
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ...............................  77 
6   CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ ........................  88 
7   ADOPTION OF THE REPO RT OF THE SIXTH APPR AISAL OF THE TPRM  .......................  90 
 
 
Note: Advance writt en questions and additional questions by WTO Members, and the replies 
provided by the United States are reproduced in document WT/TPR/M/350/Add.1 and will be 
available online at http://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/tpr_e/tp_rep_e.htm.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  
1.1.  The 13th Trade Policy Review of the United States was held on 19 and 21 December 2016. 
The Chairperson, Ms. Irene Young (Hong Kong, China), welcomed the delegation of the 
United  States headed by H.E. Ambassador Michael Punke; the delegat ion from Washington; and 
the discussant, H.E. Ambassador Daniel Blockert (Sweden).  
1.2.  The Chairperson recalled the purpose of the Trade Policy Reviews and the main elements of 
the procedures for the meeting. The report by the United States was contained in d ocument 
WT/TPR/G/350 and that of the WTO Secretariat in WT/TPR/S/350.  
1.3.  Questions by the following delegations had been submitted in writing before the deadline: 
Malaysia; Mexico; Philippines; Republic of Korea; Oman; Colombia; Australia; Chinese Taipei; 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Canada; Switzerland; Cuba; China; Thailand; Singapore; Hong Kong, 
China; European Union; Kazakhstan; Moldova; Argentina; Ukraine; Russian Federation; Norway; 
Dominican Republic; Brazil, Viet Nam; India; El Salvador; and Peru. The foll owing delegations 
submitted written questions after the deadline: Japan; Indonesia; Guatemala; Benin; Trinidad and 
Tobago, Costa Rica; Turkey; New Zealand; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Kingdom of 
Morocco; Ecuador; Chile; Iceland; Mauritius; Myanmar; S ri Lanka; Gabon; Nepal; Montenegro; 
and Lesotho.  
1.4.  In 2014, Members had reaffirmed the central importance of the United States in global trade. 
Today, the U.S. was still the world's top importer and second largest exporter of goods and 
services, and the num ber one destination for foreign direct investment.  
1.5.  To many of Members, the U.S. was an important trading partner. It was good to know that in 
the past 2  years, its economy had continued to expand at annual rates of around 2.5%. Although 
growth had slowed d own in the first half of 2016, it had picked up in the third quarter. And as in 
the previous review, private consumption and investment growth had been robust; the 
unemployment rate had come down to 4.6%, while inflation had stayed low at less than 2%. 
Although merchandise imports had contracted in 2015, this reflected to a large extent lower oil 
import prices. As in previous years, the merchandise trade deficit was partly offset by a surplus in 
trade in services and primary income.  
1.6.  So, this was more or les s the macroeconomic backdrop to the current review.  
1.7.  Zooming in on the U.S.' trade policies, Members could see that the current administration 
had kept them broadly constant. The long -standing commitment of the United States towards 
open trade and investmen t policies had continued, but so had the long -standing barriers in certain 
sectors, which Members had considered at the last TPR to be a hindrance to trade.  
1.8.  Members who had, at the last TPR, encouraged the United States to re -authorise its 
Generalised Syst em of Preferences (GSP) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), 
were pleased to note that this had already been done. Members who had looked to the 
United  States for leadership in the WTO also found assurance in the U.S. President's 2016 Trade 
Policy Agenda - which said the U.S. would continue to take such a role, although since the lead -up 
to Nairobi, we learnt that this no longer meant the U.S. assuming leadership in the Doha Round 
and on the post -Bali agenda as Members had envisioned 2 years a go. It was clear that the U.S. 
expected future discussions in the WTO to focus on developing new approaches and taking up new 
issues in negotiations, without being constrained by the DDA architecture.  
1.9.  In this connection, Members noted that a new Trade Pro motion Authority (TPA) had been 
enacted in 2015. It had a broader scope than previous ones, in that it defined four new trade 
negotiating issues: state -owned and controlled enterprises; localization barriers to trade; currency 
issues; and governance. Valid  for new trade agreements until the 1st of July 2018, and with a 
possible extension of another 3 years, this TPA provided the legislative procedure for important 
trade deals, not only within the WTO, but also those outside the MTS framework, such as the 
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T -TIP), the 
Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA). With this new development, and given the different views 
regarding trade that Members heard lately, one could understand why many advance questions 
had been asked about the implementation of the TPA and the direction of US' trade policy.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  1.10.   Work in the WTO was, of course, much more than negotiations and rule -making. Robust 
trade enforcement was a central pillar of U.S. trade policy , while trade remedy was also a 
frequently used tool. In the last TPR, Members had raised concerns about the significant increase 
in antidumping and countervailing measures investigations, and the continued renewal of duties 
imposed after sunset reviews. D uring the current review period, the United States continued to be 
an active user of contingency measures, and this gave again rise to a large number of questions 
by Members regarding, for instance, the calculation methods; the criteria and concepts; and t he 
prolonged application of some of these measures.  
1.11.   Other policy areas that continued to attract a lot of attention were trade facilitation, 
government procurement and intellectual property. On trade facilitation, Members saw positive 
developments such as the single -window International Trade Data System (ITDS) which was 
expected to be fully operational for all trade by the end of this month, and the continued work on 
simplified entry programmes and trusted trader programmes. On government procurement, a wi de 
range of questions were raised, about requirements at sub -federal levels; transparency; 
implementation of GPA obligations; preferences granted to small businesses and national 
suppliers, etc. Questions on intellectual property likewise covered many aspe cts, such as patents, 
copyright and enforcement.  
1.12.   Regarding specific trade sectors, Members recalled that the passage of the Farm Act of 2014 
was deemed the most significant change in the U.S.' last TPR. The questions this time were mainly 
about its Agricu lture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage; notifications to the WTO; and the 
calculation of reference prices. There were also other questions about agriculture support 
measures such as the Marketing Loan Program; the Crop Insurance Program; and the Export 
Credit Guarantee Program.  
1.13.   On financial services, Members sought clarification on the implementation of the Dodd -Frank 
Act. Questions were also raised with respect to national treatment limitations on foreign banks and 
subsidiaries; foreign participation in the insurance industry and securities market; harmonization 
of practices among states, etc. The Chairperson also saw quite a number of questions on 
telecommunications, and on air and maritime transport services.  
1.14.   The Chairperson's overall observation was th at: this was a TPR where Members were as 
keen to know what had happened during the review period, as they were about what was going to 
happen in the next; where existing policy measures somehow seemed to have greater clarity than 
future policy orientations ; where the Member's trade negotiations outside of the WTO attracted as 
much attention as those inside. If Members were not at crossroads, they were at least at a very 
interesting and critical juncture of the development of U.S.' trade policies. How Member s saw the 
situation now? Where will the U.S. go from here? How would its policy decisions in the coming 
months and years impact on the WTO, and on bilateral, regional and multilateral trade 
relationships that affected all Members?  
1.15.   This meeting might not pr ovide an answer to all these questions, but the Chairperson hoped 
it would give Members an opportunity to reflect more deeply on issues of interest to them and of 
importance to the multilateral trading system. The Chairperson looked forward to an active an d 
fruitful exchange.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE UNITED STATES 
(H.E.  AMBASSADOR MICHAEL P UNKE)  
2.1.  We are pleased to participate once again in the trade policy review of the United States. We 
are honoured to see the large number of particip ants at today's meeting and, in particular, to 
greet so many of my fellow ambassadors and permanent representatives. Thank you for the time 
you are taking to participate in this important process.  
2.2.  We especially appreciate the participation of Ambassador Da niel Blockert, Permanent 
Representative of Sweden, whom we are honoured to have as our discussant.  
2.3.  We also want to acknowledge the Secretariat's team for their work in producing an 
informative report that provides a basis for today's discussion. Again thi s year, as in past reviews, 
our colleagues in Washington appreciated the chance to engage in a vigorous and productive 
discussion with the impressive professionals of the Secretariat's TPR Division.  
2.4.  The United States places high value on the trade policy r eview process, which is vitally 
important for promoting greater awareness and understanding of Members' trade policies and 
practices. It is for this reason that we actively engage in all Members' trade policy reviews and that 
we work diligently to answer t he ever increasing number of questions we receive every two years. 
We have set a new record of over 1600 questions with this review. We provided answers to all 
questions that were submitted two weeks prior to today's meeting, as well as those submitted 
within a few days after the deadline. We are working hard to respond to the additional questions 
received just last week, and we hope to have responses for Members as soon as possible.  
2.5.  Our commitment to open markets and to the rules -based multilateral trading  system 
embodied in the WTO remains a vital part of the United States' trade and investment policy. Since 
World War II, twelve consecutive U.S. Presidents – six Democrats, six Republicans — have toiled 
to sustain and to build on this commitment. We are pro ud of the role we played in creating the 
rules-based trading system that has lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. It remains firmly in 
our national interest to promote a rules -based system and to do our part to ensure that it meets 
its tremendous po tential. The United States has matched its actions to its words, and our efforts 
before, during, and after the Nairobi Ministerial Conference have been very much guided by that 
spirit.  
2.6.  The Obama Administration's trade agenda has focused on three strategic objectives: 
establishing and enforcing the rules of the road, strengthening U.S. partnerships with other 
countries, and spurring broad -based economic development. It is with this mindset that the United 
States has continued to pursue an active economic and  trade agenda since the last U.S. Trade 
Policy Review in 2014.  
Openness and Accountability  
2.7.  The United States is one of the most open economies in the world. We make no claim of 
perfection – no Member can – but, we are gratified that the impartial Secretar iat report 
emphasizes that the United States is one of the world's most open markets. In Geneva, the 
foundation of U.S. leadership is sometimes overlooked in the daily din of clashing talking points 
and speeches. We appreciate that this TPR process offers reminders of the openness of the U.S. 
economy, and of our commitment to working with other Members of this institution to advance 
market opportunities in the interest of global economic growth.  
2.8.  The United States, as all of you know, works tirelessly to pro mote export opportunities for 
U.S. stakeholders. We make no apology for this. But we have matched our efforts to open markets 
abroad with a willingness to open our own market. We are the world's largest single -country 
importer, importing goods and services  that exceed the total size of the economies of all but four 
countries in the world. In 2015, the United States was the recipient of 19% of global goods and 
services exports, excluding U.S. exports and intra -EU exports, and 71 countries had the 
United  States as their first, second, or third largest export partner.  
2.9.  The current U.S. simple average tariff is 3.5% on an applied basis under the WTO. When 
tariff preferences are taken into account, the U.S. trade -weighted average tariff is 1.5% on an WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  applied basis . In 2015, nearly 70% of all U.S. imports, including those under preference programs, 
entered the United States duty -free. U.S. service markets also remain open to foreign providers 
and U.S. regulatory processes are consistently transparent and accessible to the public, including 
to non -U.S. citizens. As these figures underscore, it is no exaggeration to say that the openness of 
the U.S. economy to goods and services is one of the most important sources of global economic 
stability.  
2.10.   In addition, the United  States continues to be the world's largest recipient of foreign direct 
investment (FDI), underscoring the Secretariat report's statement that the U.S. investment regime 
is generally open and liberal. The stock of FDI in the United States in 2015 was US$3. 14 trillion, 
and the United States is committed to remaining an attractive destination for investment.  
The United States in the Multilateral System  
2.11.   The essential backdrop for the openness of the United States to goods, services and 
investment from around  the world is our long -standing commitment to the WTO as the developer 
and guardian of the rules that govern the global trading system. The United States works in this 
institution to promote enduring values that are important to us and that benefit the res t of the 
world. These include the rule of law, good governance, transparency, and predictability. There is 
nothing easy or transitory about these values. They require vigilance, and leadership.  
2.12.   Members of this institution rightly expect leadership from th e United States. Many in this 
room today know that U.S. leadership can at times be disruptive and uncomfortable. Our brand of 
leadership has often focused especially on stating certain realities in blunt terms. This was 
undoubtedly the case in our recent e fforts to encourage the membership to move beyond 
negotiating structures that had, in our view, long ceased any promise of success.  
2.13.   Likewise, we have confronted what we consider to be some distressing trends in the dispute 
settlement functions of the WTO t hrough steps that have, we know, been upsetting to some. But 
our willingness to be very direct, and occasionally disruptive, in the exercise of leadership flows 
precisely from the fact that this multilateral system is so vitally important to us. Our direct ness, 
our straight -talk, is always motivated by a commitment to making things work better within this 
system.  
2.14.   For years, and well before MC10, the United States has believed that if we are serious about 
strengthening the multilateral trading system, we nee d to move beyond the traditional but empty 
invocations of the past and start thinking seriously about how to revitalize the WTO to make 
progress on the critical issues facing our people: economic growth and job creation, the protection 
of workers and the e nvironment, the promotion of innovation, the advent of the digital economy, 
the importance of small and medium -sized enterprises, and the distortive effects of state -owned 
enterprises. We are gratified to be observing a broadening consensus that pragmatic 
multilateralism is needed, a multilateralism which recognizes that the world has changed 
dramatically in the past two decades, that some developing countries have become globally 
competitive emerging markets, leading economies, and that with an increasing role in the global 
economy comes with increasing responsibilities.  
2.15.   Pragmatic multilateralism has already helped this institution begin to turn the corner. In 
Bali, pragmatic multilateralism allowed us to reach the first multilateral agreement in the histor y of 
the WTO – the Trade Facilitation Agreement, which we hope to see enter into force within weeks. 
In Nairobi, pragmatic multilateralism allowed us to reach agreement on the first new agricultural 
disciplines since 1994, on agricultural export subsidies,  as well as agreement on a range of issues 
important to the least developed countries.  
2.16.   In last year's expansion of the Information Technology Agreement, pragmatic 
multilateralism allowed interested Members to come together and eliminate tariffs on over 
US$1 trillion of information and technology products and to provide that benefit on a multilateral 
basis. This agreement represented the first WTO tariff -cutting agreement in 17 years. Pragmatic 
multilateralism brought WTO Members together to work on eliminat ing tariffs on a range of 
environmental goods, so that we might see the dispersion of these key technology to deal with a 
raft of environmental concerns as quickly and affordably as possible. And in September, more than WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  a dozen WTO Members gathered to addr ess the subsidization of fishing, a key economic, 
development, and environmental issue.  
2.17.   Pragmatic multilateralism does not always make agreement easy or fast, but it does help to 
make it achievable. While our work on the Environmental Goods Agreement recen tly encountered 
some disappointment, participating Members have made good progress, and we look forward to 
continuing our work. These negotiations will require leadership from all participants, above all the 
major players.  
2.18.   The United States' vision of a pr agmatic multilateralism acknowledges the reality that 
dozens of Members – including all of the major players in the WTO – have negotiated scores of 
bilateral and regional trade agreements over the past couple of decades. These agreements are 
not intended t o replace or supplant the multilateral trading system, but to inform it and to spur it 
on to action. The best of these agreements set high standards, address ground -breaking issues 
and define new rules, and can help establish models for the multilateral pr ocess as it defines a 
future agenda. Plurilateral agreements have been part of the GATT and WTO landscape for 
decades, and in recent years have offered one of the most productive channels for those countries 
that are committed to creating new opportunities  for their companies and workers.  
2.19.   Nairobi represented a critical turning point in the history of the WTO. It was a moment in 
which both multilateral and plurilateral agreements were reached. And it was also a moment in 
which it became clear, officially, fo r the first time, that there is no consensus to continue the Doha 
mandate. Stated more directly, the old Doha mandate no longer exists. Together we have begun a 
new chapter in the history of the multilateral trading system.  
2.20.   Of course, even beyond negotiati ons, the WTO demonstrates its value every day through 
the work of its standing committees and other bodies. This institutional structure is instrumental in 
promoting transparency of WTO Members trade policies, as well as monitoring and resisting 
protection ist pressures during a challenging time for the global economy. We are encouraged by 
the energy that we see exhibited in committees ranging from TRIMS to antidumping to technical 
barriers to import licensing. These and other committees are the lifeblood of  the institution, and 
we will maintain a firm commitment to keeping them active and healthy. As we and other 
Members have stated recently, however, the continued viability of these structures depends 
extensively on a much more vigorous attention to transpa rency and notification requirements 
across the scope of the WTO agreements.  
Bilateral and Regional Developments  
2.21.   The commitment of the United States to opening markets and supporting a rules based 
system is why we have, since our last review, continued a v igorous pursuit of bilateral and regional 
arrangements aimed at reinforcing and complementing the multilateral trading system.   
2.22.   During the period under review, the United States, along with 11 partners, concluded and 
signed the Trans -Pacific Partnership ( TPP) Agreement. Through TPP, we have sought to craft a 
high-standard pathway to regional economic integration in the Asia -Pacific. In addition to 
ambitious market access commitments, the TPP includes high -standard trade rules covering both 
new and traditio nal trade issues. It includes strong and enforceable rules to protect workers and 
the environment. It addresses issues such as competition by state -owned enterprises, digital 
commerce, and regulatory coherence, providing guideposts for how these issues may  be 
addressed in other trade fora. According to analysis supported by the Peterson Institute for 
International Economics, if TPP were implemented, global exports would increase (compared to the 
baseline) by US$ 1.1 trillion (2015 dollars) by 2030, and glob al real income would increase by 
US$492 billion.   
2.23.   Following the February 2016 signing of the Agreement, the 12 TPP Parties turned to their 
respective domestic approval processes, but the U.S. Congress has not yet taken up the TPP 
agreement. The Obama Admi nistration had worked with our TPP partners to address issues raised 
by Congress, was prepared to submit the agreement this year, and is of course disappointed that 
Congress chose not to take up TPP this year. We know that this disappointment is shared by our 
TPP partners. Obviously, future steps depend on decisions that will occur in the next 
Administration.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  2.24.   Also during the period under review, the United States and the European Union made 
considerable progress in negotiating a comprehensive trade and inve stment agreement, the 
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership or T -TIP. A T -TIP agreement would strengthen our 
relationship with the EU, which already accounts for over US$1 trillion in annual two -way trade, 
US$4.6 trillion in investment, and more t han 14 million jobs. We are aiming in T -TIP to reduce 
tariffs and non -tariff barriers, modernize trade rules, and bridge unnecessary divergences in our 
respective regulatory requirements, while maintaining the high standards of health, safety, and 
environm ental protection that stakeholders have come to expect both in the United States and the 
EU. 
2.25.   In 15 rounds of T -TIP negotiations, the United States and the EU have made significant 
progress toward an agreement, particularly in the elimination of duties and in advancing a number 
of important regulatory issues. For example, while tariff negotiations are not complete, U.S. and 
EU negotiators already agreed for 97% of our trade to be duty -free. While differences remain in 
several key areas, our work has brought greater clarity to our differences and enabled both sides 
to explore potentially promising avenues for reconciling them. As political leaders in both the 
United States and the European Union consider next steps for the T -TIP process, we will look 
forward t o keeping other WTO Members informed.  
2.26.   In addition to engagement at the WTO and ongoing trade agreement negotiations, the 
United States continues to promote mutual accountability and shared ambition as we work with 
our partners around the world on a bilater al and regional basis, through a variety of trade and 
investment avenues. Throughout the review period, the U.S. continued to engage trading partners 
through free trade agreement political and technical committees and councils, and through TIFA 
Councils an d other arrangements with non -FTA partner countries.  
2.27.   From a regional perspective, we continued to explore potential new steps to develop trade 
and investment ties with countries in the Middle East and North Africa, both bilaterally with the 
United States a nd among themselves. We continued to strengthen regional economic integration in 
the Asia -Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, and we look forward to working with Viet Nam, the 
host country, and other APEC member economies to advance this objective by the A PEC Leaders' 
and Ministers Meeting in late 2017. We also continued efforts to expand trade and investment ties 
with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), through our TIFA and the Expanded 
Economic Engagement (E3) Initiative, including through  the conclusion of ASEAN -U.S. joint 
statements on investment, transparency, and good regulatory practice.  
2.28.   The United States has a long term commitment to Africa's growth and prosperity. Since 
2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has been the  cornerstone of U.S. -African 
engagement on trade and investment. By providing duty -free entry into the United States for 
almost all products of beneficiary countries, AGOA has helped to expand and diversify two -way 
trade between the United States and sub -Saharan Africa, and it has helped to foster an improved 
business environment in many sub -Saharan African countries. Last year, the United States 
extended AGOA to 2025. The renewed AGOA promotes greater regional integration by expanding 
rules of origin and b y encouraging beneficiary countries to develop AGOA utilization strategies. It 
also provides additional tools to support compliance with the AGOA eligibility criteria. In 
September 2016, President Obama hosted the second U.S. -Africa Business Forum, bringin g 
together African Heads of State as well as African and American private sector CEOs, 
entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders, to highlight the partnerships and innovations that have 
led to deeper business relations between the United States and Africa,  and to discuss the potential 
for future collaboration.  
Enforcement in the Rules -Based System  
2.29.   In the United States' view, achievement of the greatest economic benefits offered by the 
global trading system requires that all trading partners abide by their commitments and play by 
agreed upon rules. In this regard, the United States has continued to place an unprecedented 
emphasis on enforcement of existing trade agreements. While the United States engages directly 
with our trading partners, WTO committees an d other WTO bodies, to address concerns regarding 
protectionist measures when direct engagement is not successful, the United States has frequently 
turned to the WTO's dispute settlement system for discussion and adjudication of disputes with 
trading partn ers. WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  2.30.   It remains our firm view that the work of the WTO in the area of dispute settlement 
represents a remarkable achievement of the multilateral trading system, and one that has proven 
its benefits to both developed and developing country Members. However,  over several years, the 
United States has raised with Members a number of concerns with the operation of the WTO 
dispute settlement system, and in particular with the adjudicative approach reflected in certain 
Appellate Body Reports. And to be clear, thes e concerns have arisen in disputes in which the 
United States was a party and in those in which it was not.  
2.31.   The Appellate Body plays an important role in the WTO dispute settlement system. And that 
makes the proper functioning of the Appellate Body critica l for the proper functioning of the 
dispute settlement system. It is useful to recall that the role assigned by WTO Members in the DSU 
to the Appellate Body is a focused one. The job of the Appellate Body is to review a legal 
conclusion or interpretation i n a panel report so that the DSB's recommendation — to bring a 
WTO-inconsistent measure into compliance — helps Members to promptly resolve disputes under 
the covered agreements. And the DSU is clear – a panel or Appellate Body report cannot add to or 
diminish rights and obligations under the WTO agreements. As a result, the job of the panel or 
Appellate Body is not to “create law” or opine on topics that are not necessary to resolve the 
specific dispute.  
2.32.   The concerns raised by the United States should be o f concern to all WTO Members. WTO 
adjudicators should be focused on addressing those issues necessary to resolve the specific 
dispute. WTO Members cannot have confidence in a system where WTO adjudicators overstep the 
boundaries agreed by WTO Members in th e DSU and the WTO Agreement. And if Members do not 
have confidence that the WTO dispute settlement system will not add to or diminish their existing 
rights and obligations under agreements they have approved domestically, they will not have 
confidence that  they can conclude new agreements and credibly say domestically what those new 
agreements mean. The dispute settlement system should reinforce the WTO and not undermine 
our efforts to advance our interests together through new agreements.  
Trade and Develop ment  
2.33.   Another central component of U.S. trade policy is our commitment to partner with 
developing countries to alleviate poverty and foster opportunities through expanded trade and 
stronger economic growth. Whether through preference programs or new initiat ives to increase 
trade and trade capacity in developing countries, promoting economic development by creating 
trade opportunities for some of the world's least -advantaged countries remains a priority for the 
United States. We believe that open trade is one  of the strongest pro -development tools, and we 
remain committed to multilateral efforts to assist least developed countries (LDCs) to become 
better integrated into the global trading system.  
2.34.   The United States has also committed substantial resources to t rade capacity building, and 
remains one of the leading donors to Aid for Trade programs. Overall U.S. support for trade 
capacity building since 2001 has now surpassed US$17.6 billion. We are proud that many of the 
developing countries in this room today ar e beneficiaries of U.S. capacity -building assistance. This 
past September, the United States pledged an additional US$600,000 for trade -related technical 
assistance to the WTO Global Trust Fund, to help WTO Members participate more fully in the WTO. 
The Un ited States takes a whole -of-government approach in providing Aid for Trade. USAID, one 
of our principal providers of trade -related assistance, works closely with the Millennium Challenge 
Corporation, and other U.S. agencies to provide trade -related techni cal assistance.  
2.35.   The United States is committed to entry into force of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. We 
are in close striking distance of this historic event, with only 7 more acceptances needed for entry 
into force. To help Members secure the anticipa ted widespread benefits of the TFA, the United 
States has created a new public -private partnership named the Global Alliance for Trade 
Facilitation (the "Alliance"). The Alliance is a new approach to implementation where Government 
and donors work to lever age private sector expertise to create the bottom -up demand and support 
for trade facilitation reforms. Joining together to create the Alliance is the World Economic Forum, 
the International Chamber of Commerce, and the Center for International Private Ent erprise 
together with the Governments of Australia, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and the 
United States. It is envisioned that the Alliance will support efforts in 12 to 15 developing countries 
on an annual rolling basis. The four pilot Members to da te have been Ghana, Kenya, Colombia, 
and Viet Nam, and we look forward to continuing our work with additional Members.   WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  2.36.   Four years ago, the United States launched the “Standards Alliance,” a partnership between 
USAID and the American National Standards In stitute (ANSI). The Standards Alliance provides 
resources and expertise to enable developing countries to effectively implement the WTO Technical 
Barriers to Trade Agreement, for example, with respect to use of international standards and 
notification of t echnical regulations to the WTO. During the period of review, the Standards 
Alliance completed over 35 TBT -related trainings, workshops, and delegation visits that included 
more than 1,500 participants from 65 countries. Standards Alliance countries exhibi t a growing 
expertise on TBT matters, and they have increased their participation in WTO TBT Committee 
meetings since 2012.  
2.37.   The United States' long -term commitment to Africa's growth and prosperity includes several 
ongoing trade -related capacity building i nitiatives. The Obama Administration has expanded the 
Trade Africa initiative to encompass 10 countries, and it committed to provide technical support on 
trade matters to the Economic Community of West African States. The United States also has 
boosted tra de capacity building through USAID's Trade and Investment Hubs on the continent, 
which are expected to facilitate over US$200 million in new investments and foster the creation of 
37,000 jobs by 2020. Other initiatives include Power Africa, Feed the Future  C-4 Cotton 
Partnership Program, and programs to tackle obstacles to private investment and economic 
growth, to reduce barriers to financing infrastructure, and to increase agricultural trade both 
regionally and with the United States.  
2.38.   A large number of ou r developing and least -developed WTO partners have benefitted from 
these various assistance mechanisms, and we will continue to explore the potential for synergies 
between our assistance efforts and developing country Members' trade -led development.  
Looki ng Forward  
2.39.   In closing, the United States is eager to continue to work closely with all of our WTO 
partners in a constructive manner that will help this institution move forward into a successful 
third decade. We are encouraged by the energy that we see wit hin this institution, even if the 
precise paths towards our next Ministerial Conference, and the success that lie beyond it, have not 
yet been clearly defined. Our hope, and our determination, is for a WTO that is responsive to the 
real world in which we a re all actively trading; for a WTO where each of us seeks opportunities to 
use trade as a part of a strategy for creating good jobs for our people; for a WTO that remains 
true to its core, trade -liberalizing mission; for a WTO that is a means of advancing the 
development aspirations of all Members; and for a WTO that works productively to resolve 
disagreements among Members.  
2.40.   Madam Chairperson, Ambassadors, distinguished representatives; the United States 
believes deeply in the importance of the work that we  are all here to do. We approach this review 
as an opportunity to listen and to learn, and in doing so to strengthen U.S. leadership within this 
institution. We look forward to participating in this exchange and we thank you all again for your 
interest and  attention.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  First, let me thank Ambassador Young for inviting me to act as a discussant for the U.S. TPR. 
I also want to thank the Secretariat for a very comprehensive and thorough report. The WTO TPR 
Division may not get as mu ch publicity as, say, the Legal Division, but your work is no less 
impressive. Let me also thank Ambassador Punke and his team for their report. I heard that this is 
actually Michael's 4th TPR, which is quite impressive. Finally, let me also thank all Memb ers for the 
questions that you have submitted.  
3.2.  When Irene asked me a couple of months ago if I could consider being a discussant for the 
U.S. TPR, I said yes, but I have realized since then that it was a big mistake. It was a mistake for 
two reasons. The first reason occurred to me when I saw the length of the reports and all the 
questions that suddenly spammed my e -mail. Even worse when I realized that I had to write this 
myself.  
3.3.  The second reason is that I had no idea at the time that the relationship b etween the U.S. 
and Sweden would deteriorate to the degree that it actually has.  
3.4.  Some of you might be familiar with the fact that there has been a lot of frustration in the 
U.S. that the Nobel Prize in literature has not been awarded to an American author since Toni 
Morrison got the award in 1993. The U.S. has often reminded us of this.  
3.5.  But this year, the Nobel Committee decided to give the prize to an American, namely Bob 
Dylan. So all should be well then? No, Bob Dylan decided that he didn't want to come to the prize 
ceremony in Stockholm, which meant that Bob Dylan basically stood the Swedish king up.  
3.6.  Of course, an international incident of this magnitude makes this very awkward. Since I 
promised Irene I am still here and I didn't want to let her down.  
3.7.  More seriously, I will, inspired by my son's book reports, structure my remarks under four 
sections. I will start with a short overview, I will then go into a few examples of the good and the 
evil of U.S. trade policy. You will notice that, since I am a dip lomat, I will refrain from using the 
word “evil” from the rest of my presentation so as not to exacerbate the Bob Dylan incident. 
Thirdly, I will touch upon a few multilateral issues and, finally, I will say just a few words about the 
elephant in the room.  
Overview  
3.8.  Let me then start the overview by providing some context. The U.S. economy is the single 
largest in the world. The U.S. is the world's top importer and the second leading exporter of goods 
and services. In addition, it is the top destination for global foreign direct investment.  
3.9.  The U.S. economy is dominated by the services sector, which accounts for some 80% of GDP. 
Real GDP continued to expand at annual rates of roughly 2.5% in 2014 and 2015, before slowing 
down to an annual rate of around 1% in  the first half of this year. Growth in private consumption 
has been robust, and the unemployment rate has continued to decline from 10% in 2009 to less 
than 50% at present. A strengthening labour market and growth in personal income, together with 
falling  energy prices and low inflation, have boosted consumers' purchasing power.  
3.10.   Net exports continue to make a low or negative contribution to GDP growth, but the trade 
deficit is less worrisome with the high level of foreign direct investment, low unemployme nt levels, 
consumers' purchasing power and continuous GDP growth. The trade deficit also has a very 
marginal effect on GDP.  
3.11.   It should be mentioned, before I go into some details, that the U.S. economy is in most 
respects an open economy. The average bound  tariff is 3.5%. The average trade weighted applied 
tariff is 1.5%. In 2015, almost 70% of all imports to the U.S. entered duty free. The fact that the 
U.S. economy has continued to improve and that the forecast for the years ahead is relatively 
positive, should therefore be good news for all of us.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  The good and the less good  
3.12.   I am not going to touch upon all issues that are discussed in the reports. The fact is that in 
many areas the U.S. trade policy has changed little or not at all and it is of limited va lue to 
essentially just repeat what was being said two years ago. But I am going to mention a few areas 
that I think have systemic effects and merit specific interest.  
GSP & AGOA  
It is positive that new tariff lines have been included in the GSP for LDCs a s a result of the GSP 
review, and that more generous rules of origin have been introduced in AGOA. It can also be noted 
that the renewed AGOA provides additional tools to promote the utilization of the programme. 
However, LDCs are still not provided DFQF a ccess for all products.  
Furthermore, the rules of origin for the U.S. GSP program remains unchanged and it would have 
been interesting to see an assessment in the report about how that relates to the WTO decision on 
preferential rules of origin applicable  to imports from LDCs under non -reciprocal preferential trade 
arrangements.  
For transparency reasons, it would also be useful with a reference in the reports to products still 
excluded in the GSP for LDCs as well as in AGOA.  
Customs  
Regarding customs and t rade procedures, the U.S. has one of the world's most modern and 
efficient customs with a long -standing, well -developed cooperation with business. The 
establishment of a Commercial Operations Advisory Committee is required by law since 
February  2016. Balan cing facilitation while at the same time ensuring the safety and security of 
your citizens is not always an easy task.  
Several different trusted trader initiatives have been initiated and the aim is to integrate those 
programs into one single, holistic Tr usted Trader Program.  
As safety and security is of great concern to the U.S., different initiatives have been taken to 
ensure supply chain security. One component in the SFI (Secure Freight Initiative) where 100% 
scanning of all cargo containers destined for the U.S. is required. This is still not realized regarding 
maritime freight, due to logistical problems and diplomatic concerns. The SFI deadline has been 
extended several times.  
The U.S. completed the ratification of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreeme nt in January  2015. It 
could possibly be questioned if 100% scanning is in line with the TFA. Implementation of 100% 
scanning would increase the administrative burden, increase trade costs and have a negative 
impact on predictability for business.  
Trade r emedies  
The U.S. is one of the most active users of the Trade Remedy Instrument among the WTO 
Members and has a well -developed legal and procedural system. The U.S. has initiated the second 
largest number of antidumping initiations among Members during the  last 10 years. During the 
period 2014 to end -June 2016, the number of AD investigation initiations totaled 85.  
High usage from major players like the U.S. is connected to some visible global trends. For 
instance, we see that new users of trade remedies o ften copy U.S. or EU legislation. We also see 
that similar products are targeted globally. At the same time, it is worth noting that not all WTO 
Members feel the need to resort to TDIs like the U.S. and some other major players do.  
TDIs have been the subje ct of some important U.S. disputes in the WTO. Zeroing is one example; 
another controversial issue is Market Economy Status. At the moment, I think it's suffice to say 
that we potentially have a major trade dispute case coming up that will attract a lot of  attention.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  There are still fundamental questions waiting to be answered in this context. It is very difficult to 
device a TDI system that is fair and transparent. Do the methods used by the U.S. actually reflect 
the way trade takes place today? However, I'm not going to delve deeper into that now since it's a 
wider issue that is applicable to more countries than the U.S.  
Government procurement  
U.S. Government Procurement is one of the favourite subjects of WTO Members, judging from the 
questions submitte d for today. It is an area where we haven't seen many major changes since 
2014.  
The main legislation is the Buy American Act, which has been in place since 1933, which requires 
the Federal Government to purchase domestic goods. There are a huge number of p rovisions and 
exceptions connected to the BAA that I will not go into them here.  
Issues concerning the BAA are well known in this House, as is the fact that a large share of U.S. 
government procurement is done at the sub -central level. As of today, 37 U.S . states participate in 
the GPA. Some of the largest states are not covered, for example Ohio and Georgia. Among those, 
some even restrict foreign participation in biddings. Unfortunately, there is no collected data for 
the sub -central level which could gi ve information on the value of Government spending at state or 
local level.  
IPR 
Intellectual property is a critical source of economic growth and high -quality jobs for the U.S. 
authorities and the U.S. authorities work to protect U.S. innovation and creat ivity with all the tools 
of U.S. trade policy.  
The USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) leads efforts to formulate and execute 
U.S. policy regarding protection and enforcement of IPRs. The USPTO has a strategic Plan for 
2014-18 which sets out  the following goals; optimizing patent and trademark quality and 
timeliness. This is positive and something that benefits entities from other countries as well.  
In its annual report, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection noted that the total number of 
products seized containing IPR infringements increased by nearly 25% in 2015. When it comes to 
enforcement, the U.S. is working on a new three -year strategic plan for 2016 -19 which is to be 
presented to the President and Congress in the coming months.  
In 20 14, the U.S. undertook an investigation to better understand the role of digital trade in the 
U.S. It showed that the combined effects of digital trade on increased productivity and lower trade 
costs were estimated to have increased U.S. real GDP by betwee n US$517,1 and US$710.7  billion 
(3.4-4.8%), and U.S. aggregate employment by up to 2.4 million full -time equivalents (up to 
1.8%). These are huge numbers on an issue that is frequently discussed in this House.  
Standards  
When we were preparing for the launc h of TTIP we did surveys with Swedish business about the 
obstacles they found on the U.S. market. One common complaint was the difficulty to find the 
relevant standards. Sweden is a developed country, U.S. is one of our biggest trading partners and 
many of  our companies have been exporting to the U.S. for 50 years or more. If identifying 
standards is tricky for them, it's likely to be tricky for most companies. It was actually one of the 
most common complaints that we heard from Swedish companies, it's diff icult to find relevant 
standards.  
I'm not going to go into the different merits of private versus public standards, and not what 
constitutes an international standard either. That's for other organizations to deal with. However, 
in the U.S. there are betwe en 200 -300 bodies that develop their own standards. Very limited, if 
any, standardization exists on a federal level. This is an issue that offers challenges for market 
access since many technical regulations and requirements are based on standards.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  The U. S. might want to consider creating some sort of single point of information in this area. 
Promising work has also been done in the context of some of the bilateral negotiations. Hopefully 
this can continue.  
SPS 
A related issue is SPS where the report note s that SPS measures notified by the U.S. have gone 
down. An interesting new regulation is the “Accreditation Third -Party Certification Rule”, which 
provides for foreign government agencies and private entities to be accredited. However, neither 
of the repo rts mentions anything about the time -frame for implementing this programme.  
Another positive development is the FDA's work on evaluating and recognizing other countries' 
food safety systems as comparative or equivalent. Under the current period of review,  the FDA has 
concluded an arrangement with Canada and the process is ongoing with Australia and the EU.  
The Secretariat's report also highlights the Food Safety and Inspection Service's list of countries 
that are eligible to export meat, poultry and egg p roducts to the U.S. Currently 46  countries are 
eligible whereas in 2014 there were only 35. It is a positive news but it is notable that only two 
countries are eligible to export egg products to the U.S.  
Agriculture  
Since the last TPR, the 2014 Farm Act ha s been implemented. In brief, this means that direct 
income payments have been abandoned and that insurance and risk management programs have 
been introduced. Potential concerns regarding these programs are that they could transfer part of 
the risk from fa rmers to the Government, which could be a concern for trading partners.  
However, there is no information about the U.S. classification of 2014 Farm Act policies. It is a 
complex and time -consuming task to prepare domestic support notifications. However, i t is crucial 
that all Members have good information about the use of domestic support in a time when new 
disciplines for agricultural support are a prioritized issue for MC11.  
It is noticeable that the TPR reports this year did not include Producer Suppor t Estimates from the 
OECD and FAO. They did last time. PSEs are a useful tool to measure long term trends and it could 
be noted that the potentially most trade distorting support had a share of 30% in the U.S.' PSE 
average for 2013 to 2015. This is a subst antial share and it's an increase, which I think is a slightly 
worrying trend.  
The U.S. has equivalency arrangements with several trading partners, for example Canada, the 
EU, Japan, Korea and Switzerland. These arrangements allow organic products to be so ld on the 
partner market without additional certification. Trade in organic products is likely to be of great 
interest for many developing countries, meaning that any U.S. strategies on how to facilitate trade 
with more partner countries would be of intere st.  
About the Export Guarantee Program, the reports provide information on one of the components of 
the Nairobi decision, the maximum credit term, which has been reduced to 18  months. However, I 
couldn't find anything in the reports on the financing of th e program and the mechanism to ensure 
that it is not subsidized. This is unfortunate since self -financing is a key obligation for such 
programs.  
Sustainable Development  
The final issue that I wanted to highlight under this item is sustainable development. If you read 
President Obama's Trade Policy Agenda for 2016, there is a significant change in how trade is 
defined and described.  
Even if the U.S. report for this TPR looks much the same as usual, closer examination will show 
that many of the changes in th e TPA are reflected.  
To quote just one change compared to the report for the 2014 TPR, we see in §4.2 on regional 
trade policy developments a general declaration “…to ensure trade agreements not only open WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  markets, but also improve transparency and governa nce and support stronger protection of labour 
rights and the environment”. This is further illustrated with implementation examples under 
individual FTAs. Sustainability aspects are also highlighted throughout the entire U.S. report, not 
least in connectio n with fisheries.  
I wish that these changes were reflected more in the Secretariat report. I know that the 
Secretariat follows existing templates and guidelines for the TPR reports, so no shadow should fall 
on them. Yet the discussion on trade is broader t oday, including in this House. I hope that the TPR 
institution can move towards including these broader issues to a higher extent in the future, thus 
becoming more relevant. The U.S. report for 2016 is a step in that direction. We've seen it in other 
count ries' TPR reports as well. I find that encouraging.  
I'm sure that some of you miss old favourites like air and maritime transport, export controls, 
mode 4, trademarks and GIs etc., but since I can't cover everything I will move on to the third 
item on my list, the multilateral.  
The Multilateral  
This is an area that is not prominent in the reports but something that I believe is important to 
discuss in this context. Being the single largest economy in the world, the U.S. has great 
significance for world tr ade. The U.S. is equally important to the WTO and for the functioning of 
the multilateral trading system. The Secretariat report states that “the United States has a 
steadfast commitment to the multilateral trading system”.  
The U.S. is an active Member in  the WTO in all areas, including systemic issues and on how the 
Organization functions. Generally the U.S. also fulfils its obligations to the letter, but there are a 
few exceptions. There are differing views on how the U.S. implemented certain panel decis ions. As 
I mentioned earlier, we are also missing the U.S. notification of its current Farm Bill.  
I know that when it comes to Members notifications in the WTO there are different kinds of late. 
You can argue that the U.S. kind of late is different compare d to Members that haven't notified for 
decades, in some cases never. But at the same time, I do feel that there are occasions when it can 
be fair to be unfair. Whether we like it or not, the systemic effects are greater when the largest 
economies do not fu lfil their obligations to the letter.  
The U.S. is also a strong defender of RTAs and plurilateral negotiations, arguing that these are 
complementary and mutually supportive to the multilateral trading system. Personally, I think 
there is a lot of truth in the argument that they can be mutually supportive, but I'm not convinced 
that it happens automatically, but rather that complementarity can be defined and facilitated. I 
hope that the U.S. will continue to engage in discussions, including in this House, on  the 
relationship between multilateral and other trade negotiations.  
The Elephant in the room  
Finally, a few words on the elephant. The TPRs are, per definition, an historical exercise. We 
examine a country's trade policy as it has been for the past coupl e of years. At the same time, it 
would be strange of me to not even mention that there is a new U.S. administration soon ready to 
take office, and this is after an election campaign that is probably the most publicized election in 
the history of the world.   
Trade was a big part of that election. It is important that we discuss trade. How it affects different 
groups. How we make trade inclusive and sustainable. But in the U.S. election, trade was a 
weapon to hit your opponent over the head with. That is not unique for the U.S. In fact, we see it 
many parts of the world right now. We certainly have it within the EU.  
We do not know yet what the trade policy will be like under the new U.S. Administration. What we 
do know is that it is not the subject of this TP R. We also know that it is not for Michael and his 
team to be held accountable for what the new administration will or will not do.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  I just want to conclude my remarks by hoping that the U.S. will continue to be an active, 
constructive and ardent supporter  of open trade. We need you to be. To quote the Nobel Prize 
laureate, even if he didn't make the trouble to travel to Sweden, because sometimes: “You don't 
need a weather man to know which way the wind blows”.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
MALAYSIA  
4.1.  Malaysia is pl eased to take part in this Thirteenth Trade Policy Review of the United States 
and associates itself with the statement to be delivered by Lao PDR on behalf of ASEAN. As the 
world's largest economy, the U.S. is the single largest importer and the second la rgest exporter of 
goods and services.  
4.2.  In the President's 2016 Trade Policy Agenda, the U.S. aims to "promote growth, support well -
paying jobs and strengthen the middle class". This commitment would help to offset the slowdown 
in the global economy.  
4.3.  Malays ia commends the U.S. in continuously upholding the principles of the multilateral 
trading system. The U.S. supports the expansion of the WTO Membership and assumes an active 
role in market -opening negotiations as well as the WTO's existing core functions. We do hope the 
U.S. will assume a more active role in rejuvenating the multilateral trade negotiations and 
contribute to successful outcomes for the next WTO Ministerial Conference in Argentina in 2017.  
4.4.  Malaysia is on the same page with the U.S. for our st rong commitments in ease of doing 
business through the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the expanded 
Information Technology Agreement (ITA2), which was implemented on 1 July 2016.  
4.5.  We welcome initiatives undertaken by the United State s to increase public engagements and 
transparency of her trade policy. These initiatives are not only imperative to multilateral trading 
system but also crucial to the sustainability of global market.  
4.6.  At the regional level, negotiations on the Trans -Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement were 
concluded in October 2015. Malaysia is one of the signatories of this Agreement and we with other 
participants look forward to its implementation. Being our important trading partner, Malaysia and 
the United States have c lose and robust economic relations. In 2015, the United States was 
Malaysia third largest trading partner and export market. Total trade with the United States was 
recorded at US$33 billion with exports registered at almost US$ 19 billion and imports at 
US$14.2  billion. We do hope that the under the new Administration, the Malaysia -US bilateral 
trade ties will be further strengthened.  
4.7.  The economic partnership between Malaysia and the United States is further enhanced 
through the U.S -ASEAN Trade and Investme nt Framework Arrangement. With the conclusion of 
the ASEAN -United States Cooperation in Fostering Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices, 
and the ASEAN -United States Cooperation in Fostering International Investment early this year, 
economic cooperatio n between the United States and Malaysia vis -à-vis ASEAN would be further 
intensified.  
4.8.  On the Trade Policy Review, Malaysia has submitted several questions in writing and we 
would like to thank the delegation of the United States for the respective respons es. We will 
examine them with great interest.  
4.9.  I wish the delegation of the United States a productive and successful Thirteenth Trade Policy 
Review and a wonderful year -end holiday. Malaysia takes this opportunity to thank Ambassador 
Michael Punke and wish  him all the best in his future undertakings.  
MÉXICO  
4.10.   Quisiera felicitar, pero sobre todo reconocer, al Embajador Michael Punke por el papel tan 
destacado que ha desempeñado durante estos años como Representante Permanente de los 
Estados Unidos ante la OMC , y aprovechar para desearle el mejor de los éxitos en sus futuros 
empeños.  
4.11.   Estados Unidos logró con éxito superar la crisis financiera y recuperar la senda del 
crecimiento. Esto, sin duda, fue resultado de una serie de reformas internas impulsadas por la  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  administración del Presidente Obama, pero también gracias a los esfuerzos por mantener una 
economía abierta.  
4.12.   Aunque se hubiera esperado que estos esfuerzos fueran mayores, dado el papel de 
liderazgo que le corresponde al ser la mayor economía del mundo, E stados Unidos ha resistido en 
buena medida las tentaciones proteccionistas. Tanto las reformas internas como las medidas 
implementadas a favor de la apertura comercial, contribuyeron a reducir el desempleo del 10% al 
5% de 2009 a la fecha, un nivel benigno  no visto desde antes de la Gran Recesión.  
4.13.   Los inversionistas internacionales han confiado en la solidez y eficiencia de sus instituciones 
y en sus políticas que proveen certidumbre, transparencia y predictibilidad en el comercio, así 
como en su gran merca do interno, su innovación incesante, y un capital humano flexible, 
productivo y calificado, todo lo cual lo ha llevado a seguir siendo el principal destino de la inversión 
extranjera directa a nivel global, el mayor importador y el segundo mayor exportador  de bienes y 
servicios.   
4.14.   Ante un entorno internacional poco favorable, donde desafortunadamente, la retórica 
proteccionista y anti -comercio y las tentaciones populistas ganan terreno, esperamos que los 
avances alcanzados por Estados Unidos después de la c risis financiera no sean desdeñados o 
nulificados, que su Gobierno e instituciones y, sobre todo, su pueblo, puedan preservar los logros 
conseguidos, entendiendo que tales logros abonan al fortalecimiento de, y al claro compromiso 
con, un sistema multilate ral de comercio robusto –del cual Estados Unidos se ha grandemente 
beneficiado.  
4.15.   Si bien son de reconocer los esfuerzos de Estados Unidos para instrumentar acciones 
impulsoras del comercio, como la ratificación del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio, e ntre 
otras; siguen pendientes algunas muy importantes como la implementación plena de la Ventanilla 
Única (Plataforma Comercial Automatizada (ACE)).  
4.16.   De conformidad con la OCDE, la economía de los Estados Unidos enfrenta serios desafíos, 
los cuales, desde nuestra perspectiva, no pueden encararse sin una política comercial orientada a 
mercados abiertos. Entre tales desafíos, destacan:  
 Primero, avanzar hacia un crecimiento más inclusivo y sustentable, mediante: i) la reducción 
de las desigualdades sociales y  raciales, y ii) el cumplimiento de las metas de la COP21 de 
reducción de emisiones de carbón.  
 Segundo, fortalecer el crecimiento de la productividad, mediante: i) el incremento de la 
infraestructura en algunos estados, y ii) el fortalecimiento del dinami smo empresarial y de 
negocios.  
4.17.   Respecto al sector servicios, el cual representa el 80% del PIB de los Estados Unidos, 
quisiera enfatizar el interés de mi país en que el Gobierno estadounidense reconsidere la 
importancia de avanzar en la liberalización, per o sobre todo, en el cumplimiento, de sus 
compromisos internacionales ya existentes, particularmente en materia de transporte marítimo, 
aéreo y terrestre.  
4.18.   Quisiera referirme a la relación bilateral entre México y los Estados Unidos, la cual data de 
muchas d écadas y que, sin duda, fue profundizada con la puesta en vigor del TLCAN. Este acuerdo 
ha contribuido al fortalecimiento de nuestros lazos económicos y comerciales, al establecer un 
conjunto de reglas que otorgan certidumbre a las relaciones de negocios d e largo plazo, y ha 
desarrollado y consolidado cadenas de valor con impacto global, en un entorno comercial y 
empresarial de ganar -ganar en la región de América del Norte.  
4.19.   El TLCAN, columna vertebral de esta integración, ha sido, desde sus inicios, un sól ido 
ejemplo respecto a la construcción de consensos en torno a objetivos de liberalización ambiciosos 
en favor del desarrollo económico, y como referencia para negociaciones comerciales posteriores, 
incluyendo en la OMC.  
4.20.   Hoy México es la fuente del 12% de las importaciones y el destino del 15% de las 
exportaciones de los Estados Unidos, al tiempo que prácticamente la mitad de las importaciones WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  de México proceden de ese país. En el periodo del 2008 al 2015, el valor en dólares de las 
exportaciones de los Est ados Unidos a México se incrementó en un 19% y el comercio de ese país 
con México ha generado por lo menos cinco millones de empleos en su territorio.  
4.21.   En otros términos, México es el segundo mercado de exportación para los Estados Unidos y 
el tercer mayor socio comercial a nivel global. Esto hace que en un día, nuestro intercambio 
comercial supere los 1,500 millones de dólares EE.UU.; más de 62 mdd por hora y más de 1 mdd 
por minuto.  
4.22.   La industria manufacturera de México y Estados Unidos está fuertemente in tegrada, por lo 
que no solo intercambiamos bienes y servicios, también los producimos conjuntamente, lo que 
hace que las exportaciones contengan 40% de insumos provenientes de los Estados Unidos.  
4.23.   Éstas son tan sólo algunas cifras que revelan la importancia  de nuestra relación bilateral, la 
que esperamos continúe profundizándose, tomando como base los compromisos construidos, los 
cuales se han venido fortaleciendo de manera significativa en las últimas dos décadas. Esperamos 
también que ello se haga en un am biente de cooperación, respeto y confianza mutua, y bajo el 
principio fundamental de ganar -ganar.  
4.24.   Sólo teniendo la plena consciencia de este tipo de logros es que se podrán generar 
dinámicas de trabajo positivas en favor de las relaciones comerciales a ni vel de regiones y del 
mismo sistema multilateral.  
4.25.   En materia de solución de diferencias, llama la atención que si bien Estados Unidos es el 
Miembro que tiene el mayor número de casos iniciados (111), también es el que tiene más casos 
en su contra (128). Le  hacemos un llamado a actuar con mayor responsabilidad, sobre todo ante 
la alta carga de trabajo que tiene la OMC en esta área. Esta responsabilidad también implica 
respetar las instituciones. Al respecto, recordaremos el 2016 como un año que afectó al Órg ano de 
Apelación por la situación que se presentó en relación con el renombramiento de uno de sus 
Miembros, cuyos efectos se observarán en el futuro.  
4.26.   Concluyo agradeciendo a los Estados Unidos por las respuestas a las preguntas que fueron 
formuladas por mi  Delegación. Deseamos a la delegación estadounidense el mejor de los éxitos en 
su Examen.  
THE PHILIPPINES  
4.27.   The Philippines associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by our colleague from 
Lao PDR recognizing the valuable economic partnership betw een the ASEAN and the United States.  
4.28.   The United States is the single largest economy in the world and it continues to expand in 
the past years. It is the world's top importer and the second leading exporter of goods and 
services.  
4.29.   In 2015, the United States  was the Philippines' third biggest trading partner and top source 
of foreign direct investments. The Philippines and the United States have longstanding trade and 
investment relations and our two Governments have been committed to continue strengthening 
this mutually beneficial partnership.  
4.30.   The Philippines -U.S. Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) has been an 
instrumental mechanism for the expansion of trade and investment flows between our two 
countries since the first meeting held in April 200 2. The TIFA sets out the principles and is our 
primary mechanism for bilateral consultations, providing a forum to address specific issues and 
concerns of interest to both parties with the aim of improving cooperation and enhancing 
opportunities for trade and investment.  
4.31.   Among the issues of great economic and social interest to the Philippines is the U.S. 
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which provides duty -free treatment to goods from 
designated beneficiary countries and territories, such as the Ph ilippines. We look forward to a 
favourable decision by the U.S. on the petitions to grand duty -free benefits for travel goods for all 
GSP Beneficiary Developing Countries (BDCs).  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.32.   The Philippines also recognizes the valuable contribution of the United State s during the 
Philippines hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2015, which has delivered 
progress on issues that will enhance regional economic integration and foster micro, small and 
medium enterprise's participation in the regional a nd global markets. The Philippines hopes to 
continue to work with other APEC economies, like the U.S., to build a highly competitive, vibrant, 
open, and transparent regional economy that is an engine for global growth.  
4.33.   The United States has always been one  of the staunchest advocates for trade as an 
instrument of peace and development, and the Philippines will continue to work together with the 
U.S. in this regard. With the realization of the ASEAN economic integration in 2015 and the 
Philippines hosting of  the ASEAN next year, the Philippines looks forward to expanded U.S. trade 
engagement in the region which collectively is considered as the U.S.' fourth largest export 
market.  
REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.34.   Let me begin with bilateral trade and investment relations. Th e U.S. has been for many 
decades Korea's major economic and strategic partner. Since the bilateral free trade agreement 
between Korea and the U.S. entered into force in March 2012, our economic relationship has been 
upgraded even further. Indeed, our bilat eral FTA which is comprehensive in scope and high in 
ambition has already brought considerable mutual benefits.  
4.35.   The KORUS FTA has led to 15% growth in bilateral trade, from US$102 billion in 2011 to 
US$116 billion in 2015, despite a 10% decrease in global trade due to the worldwide economic 
slowdown in the same period. The U.S. thus stands as Korea's second largest trading partner, 
while Korea is the 6th largest trading partner of the U.S. We are confirmed that Korea -U.S. 
economic cooperation will continue to grow stronger on the basis of the KORUS FTA.  
4.36.   The U.S. has plays a vital role in the global economy. Since its economic performance has 
significant implications for global growth and development, we welcome the fact that the U.S. 
economy has mostly recov ered from the aftermath of the global financial crisis through the 
implementation of an appropriate mix of policies that support growth, strengthen demand and 
create quality jobs. We hope that the U.S. will continue to respect the global impacts of its pol icies, 
and strengthen policy coordination efforts in managing the world economy.  
4.37.   We commend the United States for maintaining one of the world's most open trade and 
investment regimes. In particular, we highly appreciate that the U.S. has taken a number of  new 
trade facilitation measures, such as the implementation of the single -window International Trade 
Data System and the introduction of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).  
4.38.   While appreciating such initiatives and developments, we share concerns ex pressed by 
other Members that the U.S. has actively used various trade remedy measures during the review 
period, particular anti -dumping measures. We are concerned about the high number of anti -
dumping investigations initiated and AD measures imposed as we ll as the excessive duration of 
those measures.  
4.39.   In addition, my delegation also submitted advance written questions to the U.S. on TBTs, 
government procurement, and competition law. We also asked for background information on the 
fishery management system in the U.S. We thank the U.S. delegation for providing answers to 
those questions, which we will review carefully.  
4.40.   The U.S. has been a staunch supporter of the open, transparent and rules -based 
multilateral trading system. We appreciate that the U.S. has c onsistently helped maintain and 
further develop free trading system including by taking the lead in discussion for the ITA 
expansion and the EGA and TISA negotiations.  
4.41.   On multilateral negotiations, we are all frustrated by the increasing difficulty in find ing 
common ground. This is particularly so, as we are in the midst of huge structural transformation in 
global economic and trade landscape. However, difficulty or complexity of negotiations cannot be 
an excuse for WTO Members to stand still in multilatera l liberalization and rule -making. The WTO 
should remain in keeping with the changing world.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.42.   It is difficult to deny that the U.S. engagement is a necessary, although not a sufficient 
condition to make progress and reach an agreement in this Organization. W e are confronted with 
growing anti -trade sentiment and uncertainty in the policy direction of important economies. Yet 
we trust that the U.S. will continue exercising its outstanding leadership, working with other 
Members, to ensure that the WTO remains th e guardian of the global trading system.  
4.43.   On that note, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the U.S. delegation for their 
hard work in preparing for today's meeting, and we wish them a very successful TPR.  
4.44.   Lastly, since I understand this is the last WTO meeting that Ambassador Punke will attend 
before he goes back to the U.S., I would like to thank Ambassador Punke for his hard work in the 
WTO.  
4.45.   He was tireless in advancing the cause of free trade and the WTO. His always thoughtful yet 
straig htforward comments were most reproducing and provided valuable food for thought in this 
House. His views may not have always been shared by all Members but I am sure that everyone 
agrees that he has been a wonderful colleague and a dear friend. I wish him all the best in his 
future endeavor.  
OMAN  
4.46.   The Sultanate of Oman and the United States enjoy strong political, economic and trade 
relations. Bilateral trade has increased since the coming into force of Oman -U.S. Free Trade 
Agreement on 1 January 2009. Two -way trade in goods was US$3.3 billion in 2015. On the 
economic front, United States' investments in Oman have also grown and expanded. Oman highly 
values its relationship with the United States and expects the commercial relations between the 
two countries  to grow and expand even further in the coming years.  
4.47.   Oman is pleased to note that the United States has attained impressive economic 
achievements during the period under review. Real GDP registered an increase of 2.4% in 2014 
and 2.6% in 2015. The budget deficit was reduced and the United States employment continued to 
rise by an increase of up to 7.2 million between December 2013 and August 2016.  
4.48.   Oman appreciates United States commitments to the Multilateral Trading System and its 
leadership role at the W TO. We note with satisfaction the importance that the United States 
attaches in enhancing the WTO critical role in ensuring transparency which includes monitoring. 
We also note the United States' unwavering commitment to open trade policies and its active 
engagement in opening markets not only within the WTO but under regional and plurilateral 
settings as well. In this regard, we would like to thank the U.S. for their reply to our question 
about their commitment to the multilateralism.  
4.49.   To conclude, the Sul tanate of Oman once again would like to reiterate its appreciation to the 
United States Government and the Secretariat for their hard work in preparing for today's meeting 
and wishes the United States a very successful trade policy review. And we would lik e to express 
our best wishes to Ambassador Michael Punke in his future endeavors.  
COLOMBIA  
4.50.   Quisiera recordar en esta intervención al gran pensador estadounidense Ralph Waldo 
Emerson, quien en una célebre cita manifestó que un "amigo es una persona con la q ue se puede 
pensar en voz alta".  
4.51.   Y eso venimos a hacer hoy, pensar en voz alta porque los Estados Unidos además de ser 
nuestro principal socio comercial, es un gran amigo para Colombia, que nos ha venido 
acompañando decididamente en el logro de la paz, al  igual que la comunidad internacional en 
general.  
4.52.   En el contexto de este examen de política comercial, nos alegra constatar en los informes 
que hoy se presentan, que la economía de este país ha mantenido una tasa constante de 
crecimiento durante 2014 y 20 15 de cerca del 2%, con un leve descenso en 2016.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.53.   Vemos por otro lado que la tasa de desempleo disminuyó del 7% al 5%, el déficit público 
federal se redujo a una tasa que hoy rodea los 3 puntos porcentuales, y la inflación, por su parte, 
se ha mantenido e stable en menos del 2% anual.  
4.54.   En la misma línea, el informe también señala que Estados Unidos es el mayor exportador e 
importador de servicios transfronterizos del mundo y se mantiene como el principal inversionista a 
nivel mundial.  
4.55.   No obstante lo anterio r, vemos que las exportaciones y las importaciones de bienes han 
decrecido a niveles de 2012, lo cual permite apreciar que el déficit de la balanza comercial se ha 
incrementado llegando al 2,6% del PIB.  
4.56.   Esperamos se revierta esta tendencia reciente de dec recimiento en las exportaciones e 
importaciones de bienes desde y hacia los Estados Unidos, a fin de que su economía se mantenga 
como uno de los principales motores del comercio internacional.  
4.57.   En el marco de la OMC, el informe de la Secretaría resalta el papel activo que éste país 
adelanta al interior de la Organización, tanto en el trabajo regular como en materia de 
negociaciones, particularmente su papel fundamental en la conclusión de las dos últimas exitosas 
conferencias ministeriales. También se desta ca su rol en varias iniciativas sectoriales como son las 
negociaciones en materia deliberación de servicios, de bienes ambientales, y para disciplinar los 
subsidios a la pesca. También debemos destacar el activo papel desempeñado por los Estados 
Unidos en la puesta en marcha e implementación del Acuerdo sobre Facilitación del Comercio.  
4.58.   Otro aspecto de especial interés sobre la participación de los Estados Unidos en la OMC, es 
su amplio uso del mecanismo de solución de diferencias.  
4.59.   En materia de Obstáculos Técnicos al Comercio (OTC) se ha pasado de notificar 180 OTCs 
en 2014 a 283 notificaciones en 2015. Con respecto a las notificaciones MSF, observamos que de 
112 notificaciones ordinarias en 2014, se redujeron a 86 notificaciones en 2015.  
4.60.   Las preguntas que  hemos realizado en este contexto se orientan a contar con mayor 
información sobre los programas que establecen los Estados Unidos para la evaluación de la 
conformidad y el reconocimiento mutuo de requisitos técnicos y sanitarios; a tener claridad sobre 
los programas de cooperación y asistencia técnica para la generación de capacidad para cumplir 
con estas normas técnicas y sanitarias que permitan mejorar el aprovechamiento de las 
condiciones preferenciales que nos brindan nuestros Acuerdos Comerciales; así  como a conocer la 
disponibilidad de estos programas de cooperación y asistencia técnica. Colombia felicita en ese 
sentido a los Estados Unidos por su programa Alianza para las Normas y le reitera su interés en 
participar activamente en programas de este t ipo.  
4.61.   Para un exportador de alimentos como es Colombia, los procedimientos de acreditación de 
requisitos ante la FDA y la forma de cumplir adecuadamente con ellos, resultan fundamentales en 
el fortalecimiento de nuestro relacionamiento comercial. Contamos con que los Estados Unidos 
continuarán colaborando con nosotros en el sentido de ayudarnos a aprovechar de forma óptima 
los canales multilaterales y preferenciales de comercio entre nuestros países y en la generación de 
capacidad para superar cualquier bar rera que exista al comercio de nuestros productos.  
4.62.   Vemos que en materia de acuerdos preferenciales, el informe destaca que Estados Unidos 
cumple adecuadamente sus compromisos de notificación en esta materia. En Colombia 
destacamos la importancia de nuestr o acuerdo bilateral y cómo, a partir de él, nuestro comercio 
bilateral se ha diversificado.  
4.63.   En materia de promoción de las exportaciones vemos que Estados Unidos tiene una 
estructura institucional de apoyo a las exportaciones acompañada en algunos casos d e un sistema 
de facilidades de financiación, créditos, seguros y garantías, devolución de derechos e incluso 
subvenciones. Colombia observa también como esos programas han sido notificados por los 
Estados Unidos en forma periódica a la OMC.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.64.   En el área agrí cola vemos que durante el período de examen se expidió una ley para 
conservar los márgenes de utilidad de los productos lácteos. En nuestras preguntas observamos 
este punto, y sería importante para nosotros poder contar con más información sobre el particu lar.  
4.65.   También notamos el compromiso de los Estados Unidos para evitar la pesca ilegal, no 
declarada y no regulada (INDNR), disciplinando para esto los subsidios que contribuyen a este tipo 
de prácticas. En este sentido, hemos venido trabajando conjuntament e para lograr un resultado en 
las negociaciones de esta materia, tanto a nivel multilateral como plurilateral.  
4.66.   En materia pesquera, sin embargo, vemos que Estados Unidos ha establecido un sistema de 
certificación unilateral sobre las prácticas pesqueras, que eventualmente puede llevar a 
restricciones portuarias o de la importación de productos pesqueros. Pensamos que cualquier 
acción o restricción, en este campo, debe estar justificada en el marco de las normas de esta casa 
y esperamos que los Estados Unid os haya estructurado sus programas en ese entendido.  
4.67.   En el ámbito de la facilitación de comercio, destacamos la expedición de la Ley de 
Facilitación del Comercio y Aplicación de las Normas Comerciales de 2015, por medio de la cual se 
implementó el AFC y s e creó el Comité Consultivo de Operaciones Aduaneras Comerciales, y el 
progreso en el desarrollo de la ventanilla única denominada "Automated Commercial Environment" 
(ACE) que se espera esté culminada este año. El desarrollo de los programas de comerciante s de 
confianza y de seguridad en el comercio, es también un aspecto a resaltar en los avances logrados 
por los Estados Unidos en facilitación del comercio.  
AUSTRALIA  
4.68.   Global trade growth is at its slowest rate since 2009, and the troubling trend of increasi ng 
protectionism around the world is continuing. Against this backdrop, the WTO's role has taken on 
new meaning. Multilateral and plurilateral efforts to support open markets, and to ensure the 
benefits of liberalized trade are understood, are more importa nt than ever before.  
4.69.   The United States has long been a steadfast advocate of a free and fair global trading 
system. From the establishment of the Bretton Woods institutions, U.S. leadership has 
underpinned the development of the multilateral trading system . Since its last Trade Policy Review 
in 2014, we have seen the United States play a crucial role in driving WTO outcomes, including the 
MC10 outcome on the elimination of agricultural export subsidies, an issue of great importance to 
many Members, both big  and small and across the development spectrum  
4.70.   We look forward to continuing to work with the United States, and other WTO Members, in 
further developing the global rules of trade post -Nairobi. The leadership role the United States has 
played over the year s in brokering new disciplines in the WTO has benefited us all, and reflected 
its understanding of the unique contribution international trade rules and economic integration 
make to national and global prosperity.  
4.71.   Australia and the United States have a str ong bilateral trade and investment relationship, 
built on shared values and common interests. These values and common interests have opened 
doors for our businesses and people, and created opportunities for new jobs and growth. Australia 
is the 11th larges t source of foreign direct investment in the United States. U.S. exports to 
Australia support more than 300,000 jobs across the United States, directly and indirectly. The 
United States is Australia's largest source of foreign investment, totalling over US $860 billion, and 
last year the United States became Australia's second largest trading partner, following and 11% 
increase in two -way trade. Our two economies are closely linked through business and people ties, 
and we look forward to building on this rel ationship.  
4.72.   While Australia and the United States share robust trade and investment ties, as in any 
relationship there are always areas that can benefit from more work and reform. I would like to 
take this opportunity to highlight a few.  
4.73.   Australia has long had a focus on the trade distorting elements of the U.S. Farm Bill. When 
viewed in an historical context, we note that successive Farm Bills have made some reforms away 
from trade distorting support. As the United States prepares for negotiations on a new Farm Bill, 
we encourage the United States to look towards options that do not distort trade. In particular, we WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  continue to monitor very closely U.S. sugar and dairy policies. As a major global exporter of 
agricultural products U.S. farmers would benefit fr om a negotiated outcome on domestic support 
that reduced global levels of trade distorting support.  
4.74.   Australia supports the United States' push on transparency within the WTO. We share the 
same vision for improvements in the level of transparency in Members ' trade policies in this House. 
To this end, we note that on agriculture, the United States has not made any notifications on 
domestic support provided under the current U.S. Farm Bill. We encourage the United States to 
bring itself up to date on its domes tic support notifications, consistent with its obligations, as soon 
as possible.  
4.75.   Consistent with Australia's comments on previous Trade Policy Reviews, we urge the United 
States to reform its maritime services and cabotage regulations, which act as a drag on U.S. 
economic competitiveness as well as limit opportunities for other WTO Members in the U.S. 
market, without delivering the intended security dividends.  
4.76.   We encourage the United States to continue to provide an open investment environment 
and procureme nt opportunities for all foreign firms, which will contribute to job creation and 
economic growth in the United States and beyond.  
4.77.   As we look forward to 2017, and in the lead -up to MC11, Australia welcomes continued U.S. 
leadership in developing multilater al outcomes and in finalizing plurilateral negotiations, including 
the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) and the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA).  
4.78.   Australia looks forward to continuing to work with the United States in advancing global 
trade liberaliza tion. 
THE SEPARATE  CUSTOMS  TERRITORY  OF TAIWAN,  PENGHU,  KINMEN  AND  MATSU  
4.79.   Since the last trade policy review in 2014, the U.S. remains the single largest economy in 
the world and continued to expand during the review period. With real GDP at annual rates of  
2.4% and 2.6% in 2014 and 2015, respectively, the U.S. is the world's top importer, and the 
second leading exporter, of goods and services.  
4.80.   As stated in the President's 2016 Trade Policy Agenda, the U.S. trade policy seeks to 
"promote growth, support well -paying jobs, and strengthen the middle class". To this end, the U.S. 
demonstrate its leadership in completing negotiations within the WTO framework, as well as in 
plurilateral settings, such as Trade Facilitation Agreement(TFA), and Information Technology  
Agreement(ITA) expansion.  
4.81.   In our written questions submitted in advance we are seeking further clarification of certain 
aspects of the U.S.'s policy direction and approach. I will just mention here, if I may, a few aspects 
where we have particular interes ts or concerns.  
4.82.   Firstly, certain measures with protectionist feature adopted by the U.S. in recent years 
might have severely impaired the economic and trade interests of WTO Members.  
4.83.   A striking example is the sharp growth of the U.S. trade remedy measure s in recent years, 
which results in 269 (AD) measures orders in place as of 30 June 2016. During the period 2014 to 
end-June 2016, the number of AD investigation initiations totaled 85. We believe this has 
important and negative implications for the rest o f the world.  
4.84.   This September, the WTO Appellate Body held in DS 464 that the way in which the U.S. 
calculated anti -dumping duty margins was contrary to its WTO obligations. It's worth underlining, 
in particular, since the same methodology was also used to d etermine the final margins for the 
anti-dumping order imposed on other cases, we would urge the U.S. to review and recalculate the 
dumping margins for these cases in a manner consistent with the ruling made by the WTO 
Appellate Body.  
4.85.   Secondly, according to  the Secretariat's report, the U.S.' Government procurement at the 
federal level is decentralized, and is carried out through the various executive agencies' WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  procurement systems. Under the Buy American Act of 1933 (BAA), the purchase of supplies and 
constr uction materials by government agencies is limited to those defined as "domestic 
end-products". We encourage the US government procurement contracts are open and transparent 
to foreign competition under its GPA commitments,  
4.86.   Thirdly, regarding the U.S. cont inuing exemption under para 3(a) of GATT 1944, we are of 
the view that implementing the Jones Act restricts the fair competition in the ship -building industry 
and the shipping market and no longer served a legitimate purpose to the global economy. As a 
proponent for the liberalization of maritime transport which plays a crucial role in logistic supply 
chain, we would ask the U.S. consider progressive market liberalization on this important sector.  
4.87.   And, last, but not least, we also notice that the anti -globa lization sentiment in U.S. caused 
us to worry whether the U.S. will turn toward trade protectionism. We hope the U.S. will continue 
its leadership and actively engagement in negotiations within the WTO framework to pursue the 
goal of trade liberalization.  
4.88.   Aside from these specific areas, I would now touch briefly on our bilateral trade and 
investment relationship. We have very close and long -standing economic ties with each other. The 
U.S. is currently our second largest trading partner and one of the most important destinations for 
our overseas investment. In 2015, the value of our bilateral trade was around US$60.6 billion, 
while our cumulative investment in the U.S. reached by some US$14.4 billion. It is evident, 
therefore, that our trade and investment h ave been influential in each other's economic 
development. What we would like to see in the future probably most of all is the U.S. continuing 
committed to an open trade and investment strategy, leading a strong rules based international 
trading system, an d bolstering international trade relationships.  
4.89.   In conclusion, I should like to take this opportunity to wish the U.S. a constructive and 
successful review, and also sincerely wish H.E. Ambassador Michael Punke all the best in his future 
endeavours.  
KINGDO M OF SAUDI  ARABIA  
4.90.   Before delivering my statement, I would like to take this opportunity to express my 
appreciation for the active role of H.E. Ambassador Punke and his delegation in WTO negotiations 
and other activities at large. I also wish to say farewel l to Ambassador Punke as he is returning to 
his homeland, and I join to the farewell my very best wishes in his future endeavours.  
4.91.   The Trade Policy Review reports prepared by the U.S. and the Secretariat reveal that the 
American economy remains resilient a nd diversified during the period under review. The annual 
real GDP growth rate stood at 2.6% in 2015 and expected to grow in 2016 and 2017 at a pace 
close to the current level.  
4.92.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends the United States for promoting the contin ued 
development of an open market and friendly trading environment creating opportunities benefiting 
developing and developed countries alike.   
4.93.   We also praise the United States for its continued "stable growth" strategy that it has 
implemented through an active fiscal policy, prudent monetary policy, aggressive financial 
accounting, clean -up, and liquidity assistance through several programs and reforms. In addition, 
measures undertaken to foster domestic consumption, to improve labor market, and to enhanc e 
productivity have certainly contributed to the recovery of the U.S. economy.  
4.94.   We have submitted some questions to the United States regarding economic and trade 
environment, trade policies and investment regime and thank the United States for answering 
these questions.  
4.95.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States enjoy a friendly and substantive 
relationship, underpinned by longstanding commercial ties and supported by shared membership 
in the G20. The United States is currently the second largest t rading partner of the Kingdom of 
Saudi Arabia, and holds the largest share of the stock of foreign direct investment from the 
Kingdom. Trade exchange between the two countries surpassed US$45 billion in 2015.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.96.   The two countries enjoyed since long bilateral  cooperation in different fields such as energy, 
science and technology, educational programmes, environmental programmes, and health 
cooperation programmes.  
4.97.   The U.S. -Saudi Business Council which was founded in December 1993 has played an 
important role i n the promotion of bilateral business ties and helped expand and diversify trade 
between the two countries. Among other successes, the Trade and Investment Framework 
Agreement signed between the two countries in July 2003 has provided a forum for both part ners 
to explore means to enhance their economic and trade relations.  
4.98.   The importance of trade to the United States is reflected in its commitment to the WTO and 
to the multilateral trading system. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia looks forward to continuing the  
very close working relationship with the United States and all Members to reinforce bilateral and 
global trade in a fair and inclusive manner.  
CANADA  
4.99.   I would like to extend a warm welcome to the U.S. delegation here today and thank them 
and the WTO Secret ariat for the preparatory work they have done for this trade policy review. 
Further, I would like to acknowledge the critical leadership role that the United States has played 
in the development of a rules -based trading system. Our bilateral trading relati onship is a model of 
free and fair trade that delivers prosperity and jobs. In North America and beyond our shores, this 
model of expanding world trade has helped to raise hundreds of millions out of poverty. 
Nevertheless, anti -trade rhetoric globally and in the United States has increased to alarming levels 
recently. In this context, we would welcome a strong re -affirmation by the United States of its 
commitment to the multilateral trading system.  
4.100.   The Canada -U.S. trading relationship is extensive: more tha n $2 billion of goods, and 
400,000 people cross our border every day. For 35 U.S. states, Canada is the largest export 
market and we rank second or third for most of the remaining states. Canadian direct investment 
in the United States in 2015 was $448 bil lion. Importantly, our trade and investment relationship 
supports over 8.8 million jobs in the United States. Canada and the United States do not just trade 
finished goods; we build products together. More than 2/3 of Canadian exports to the U.S. are 
inputs for further processing in the U.S. And some 19% of the value of all Canadian exports is U.S. 
content.  
4.101.   Given the integrated nature of our bilateral trade relationship, certain legislative and policy 
actions can adversely affect trade between our countries . These issues can be resolved, but much 
damage can be done in the interim. For example, while we welcome the decision of the 
United  States to repeal the Country of Origin Labelling requirements after years of litigation, these 
requirements severely disrup ted supply chains and long standing trade patterns.  
4.102.   Indeed, certain U.S. policies continue to impede the efficiency and international 
competitiveness of companies on both sides of the border. I would like to highlight three areas of 
concern to Canada: Buy America, softwood lumber and maritime transport.  
4.103.   First, the Buy America legislation is a perfect example of a trade barrier on efficient 
cross-border supply chains. At the last trade policy review in 2014, we referred to restrictions on 
transportation, inf rastructure and the water sector. Regretfully, through the Fixing America's 
Surface Transportation Act (or "FAST Act" of 2015) and the Water Reform and Resources 
Development Act of 2014, these restrictions have been extended. We are deeply concerned that 
there will likely be additional efforts to broaden Buy America restrictions at both the federal and 
state levels. Such measures are harmful to market -driven supply chains and increase purchasing 
and compliance costs to the detriment of tax payers.   
4.104.   Second,  Canada is also disappointed that the U.S. lumber industry has once more 
petitioned for anti -dumping and countervailing duties to be applied to imports of softwood lumber 
from Canada. We urge the U.S. Administration to carefully consider its WTO obligation s when 
assessing this petition. Despite our past successes in softwood lumber disputes, we find ourselves 
facing the prospect of long and expensive litigation once again.   WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.105.   Third, regarding maritime transport, it will be important for the U.S. to consider how it will 
address sensitivities in such areas as cargo preferences and cargo sharing agreements, and the 
reach of the Federal Maritime Commission outside of U.S. borders.  How specific U.S. laws and 
regulations affect the competitiveness and efficiency o f the maritime sector, including both 
services suppliers and consumers, is of considerable interest to Canada.  
4.106.   Turning to multilateral negotiations, Canada respects the leadership role that the U.S. took 
in the lead -up to and during MC10. The Ministerial D ecision on export competition was an 
important step in addressing concerns in the area of agricultural trade. We would like to remind 
the U.S. that it was just a first step – there is much unfinished business in all aspects of the 
Agriculture negotiations as well as other outstanding Doha issues. Not the least of these is further 
disciplines on the use of export credits and domestic support.  
4.107.   I now would like to highlight three other areas for which we commend the United States' 
commitments to effective and fair international trade. First, the bilateral Regulatory Cooperation 
Council reflects the integrated nature of the Canadian -US economy. The Council cooperates in 
many areas so as to foster alignment between our regulatory systems and to eliminate 
unnecess ary requirements. Second, we appreciate the leadership role of the United States in 
advancing efforts to discipline subsidies in global fisheries. We will continue to work with the U.S. 
in all available fora to seek improved disciplines in this sector. Thi rd, we would like to underline the 
work of the United States to raise awareness of the global overcapacity and production in certain 
sectors like steel.  
4.108.   In closing, we must remain vigilant against the potential rise of protectionism and the 
fallacy of sim plistic view that exports are good and imports are bad. In this regard, recent press 
reports indicate that the US Congress is contemplating a border adjustment tax on corporate 
income that would benefit exports and penalize imports. This is very worrisome.  I urge the United 
States to prevent such non -trade compliant measure and instead to continue to remain engaged in 
the creation and promotion of improved international trade and investment opportunities that will 
support growth in the United States and aro und the world.  
4.109.   We have submitted written questions and we await with interest the responses provided by 
the United States and we look forward to a productive discussion.  
SWITZERLAND  
4.110.   Let me thank you and the discussant for the introduction to today's review  and give a 
warm welcome to the U.S. delegation. I would also like to seize this occasion to pay tribute to our 
highly valued colleague Ambassador Punke who will leave us soon. He has distinguished himself as 
an indefatigable and pugnacious negotiator who served his country efficiently. Michael I wish you 
all the very best for the future.  
4.111.   The multilateral trading system owes much to the numerous interlinkages of the USA – the 
world's biggest economy - with the rest of the world. Yet, this interdependence is  much more than 
a mere expression of statistical or economic facts. It has to do with the historic and reliable 
commitment of the US to an open market economy.  
4.112.   In spite of some blemishes, which will certainly be addressed in today's debate, the 
United  States has consistently supported trade liberalization. This engagement has been beneficial 
for the multilateral trading system. And as we are about to enter a new year and some reshuffling 
of the cards is taking place in the U.S. administration, we expect to be able to count on such a 
policy orientation in the future as well.  
4.113.   Much of this may depend upon the U.S. economic environment. We have all learned that 
economic woes may lead to a sense of frustration and free trade fatigue in some parts of our 
constitu encies. In this context, we note that the current account deficit of the USA is showing a 
widening trend according to the IMF projections. This after a reassuring period of contraction. At 
the same time, the trend for the real effective exchange rate of th e U.S. dollar seems to point to 
further appreciation which may result in an increase in the trade deficit.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.114.   However, these trends must be put into perspective. The U.S. American current account 
has been in the negative since the 1980s. It is not a new phen omenon. And the fact that the US$ 
is the global reserve currency means that the deficit can be sustained without compromising the 
well-being of the United States. As the supremacy of the dollar remains unchallenged, this unique 
privilege is set to stay for  a long time. Moreover, the trade deficit often increases when the 
economy is growing. This process may even be accompanied by overall job creation. When the 
deficit decreases, the economy often contracts with a drop in employment.  
4.115.   As the IMF has recently  pointed out, greater trade integration may entail transition costs to 
American jobs and incomes. These consequences for trade -affected workers may be mitigated 
through active labour market measures such as enhanced training.   
4.116.   Swiss companies in the U.S. are training apprentices in keeping with the long -standing 
Swiss model. They thereby make an active contribution to building a well -qualified and inclusive 
local labour force. Last year, the Swiss and U.S. Governments signed a Joint Declaration of Intent 
to foster cooperation on vocational education. All of this may seem like a drop in the ocean. But 
Switzerland is an important investor in the United States. Swiss FDI amounts to US$224 billion 
and supports half a million jobs.  
4.117.   For Switzerland, the U.S. is t he second most important trading partner worldwide. The 
Swiss and U.S. economies are closely intertwined. Our annual total trade in goods and services 
(imports + exports) is worth more than US$100 billion.  
4.118.   Now turning to U.S. trade practices, and more spe cifically to customs procedures, we 
would like to flag our keen interest in the functioning of the Automated Commercial Environment 
ACE which now seems to be up and running. The data requirements of the National Information 
Exchange Model are not yet quite  clear to us. The progressive changes in the data requirements 
might have an unpredictable impact on SMEs.  
4.119.   Regarding applied tariffs, we were surprised to learn that Swiss cheese is among the 
estimated 22 tariff lines that carry import duty rates of above  100%. Switzerland submitted 
several questions relating to agriculture. We do not want to get into all of those right now. But as 
the Secretariat report states, the U.S. has made certain modifications in the TRQ regime for dairy 
products. It is not clear t o us what changes exactly took place and why. We also wonder whether 
they will be notified.  
4.120.   On a positive note, we noticed that some imports are subject to tariff suspension 
measures. But it is not yet entirely clear to us which products benefit from this  temporary 
suspension. Then we think that a number of changes to the HS of the U.S. have not yet been 
notified. These alterations concern the 3rd and 4th revision with respect to the pharmaceutical 
coverage.  
4.121.   We would also like to learn more about the U.S. 's interests in international competition 
cooperation agreements and which harmful anti -competitive business conducts might fall under 
their scope.  
4.122.   Let me finish by saying that we regret that the report by the Secretariat fails to include 
important chapte rs on energy, health or social services. All of these areas can have a bearing on 
trade. In any event, we welcome U.S. global leadership when it comes to fossil fuel subsidies 
reform, in particular the U.S. -China peer review of their fossil fuel subsidies with a view to 
increasing transparency.  
CUBA  
4.123.   En el contexto del decimotercer Examen de las políticas comerciales de los Estados Unidos, 
Cuba desea reconocer los avances registrados en el ámbito diplomático y de la cooperación entre 
ambos países en temas de  interés común.  
4.124.   Sin embargo, Cuba desea también ratificar ante este Órgano de Examen de las políticas 
comerciales, que permanecen prácticamente invariables las medidas de bloqueo económico, 
comercial y financiero que el Gobierno de Estados Unidos continúa aplicando contra nuestro país.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.125.   Después de transcurrido dos años desde que los Gobiernos de Cuba y de los Estados 
Unidos decidieran restablecer sus relaciones diplomáticas e iniciar un proceso de normalización de 
sus vínculos comerciales y financieros, no s e manifiestan cambios sustanciales en la aplicación de 
la política de bloqueo hacia el país, lo que significa que sus medidas continúan aplicándose 
directamente contra Cuba con el mismo rigor que en etapas anteriores y su alcance extraterritorial 
se mantie ne afectando a terceros países.  
4.126.   En marzo de 2016, se anunciaron nuevas enmiendas a los reglamentos de las sanciones 
que los Estados Unidos aplica, entre las que se destaca permitir, por primera vez desde que está 
vigente el bloqueo, el uso del dólar a los ciudadanos cubanos e instituciones financieras para 
determinadas transacciones. Ello modificaría de cierta forma uno de los aspectos más significativos 
del bloqueo; no obstante, la medida no se ha materializado en la práctica, a la vez que continúa el 
asedio y la persecución sobre los activos monetarios cubanos en el exterior.  
4.127.   La política de bloqueo contra Cuba continúa siendo el principal freno al desarrollo 
económico del país al entorpecer el desempeño de todos los sectores de la economía nacional, 
provoc ar un incremento sustancial de los costos financieros y obstaculizar el acceso a los flujos 
financieros externos, a la vez que dificulta las importaciones perentorias, fundamentalmente de 
alimentos, medicamentos y combustible, lo que se traduce en un serio  impedimento para el 
desarrollo económico.  
4.128.   Es por ello que los esfuerzos del país por integrarse al sistema de comercio mundial se 
realizan en condiciones particularmente difíciles, resultado de una política que contradice el 
principio del libre comercio.  
4.129.   Las leyes de bloqueo prohíben también a los organismos financieros multilaterales y 
regionales conceder créditos a Cuba, negándosele el acceso a fuentes de financiamiento de largo 
plazo en condiciones favorables, lo que obliga a utilizar préstamos de corto  plazo con altas tasas 
de interés y el financiamiento de proveedores, mucho menos flexible que los de instituciones 
financieras y los de carácter oficial.  
4.130.   Las medidas adoptadas por el Gobierno estadounidense para modificar la aplicación de 
algunos aspectos  del bloqueo a Cuba son positivas, pero muy limitadas ya que tienen un impacto 
reducido en los vínculos económicos, comerciales y financieros bilaterales.  
4.131.   Una vez más, Cuba exhorta a los Estados Unidos a proceder a la eliminación de la política 
discriminat oria e injustificada de bloqueo contra Cuba y favorecer el restablecimiento para nuestro 
país de condiciones justas y equilibradas en su comercio exterior.  
CHINA  
4.132.   I know the U.S. doesn't like the principle of "less than full reciprocity", thus we treat the m 
with full reciprocity by raising to them the same numbers of questions they raised to us, which is 
230 (we welcome the reconfirmed position of the U.S. Ambassador about the principle of per 
capita in the WTO).  
4.133.   The U.S. is the world's largest economy and its economic performance is crucially 
important to each WTO Member. We are pleased to note that since the previous review, the U.S. 
economy has maintained a moderate growth. The unemployment rate has dropped below 5% and 
the inflation rate has been kept un der 2%. We hope that the upswing of the U.S. economy can 
help to give a fresh boost to the world economic recovery.  
4.134.   Over the past few years, WTO Members have worked together and reached the TFA, 
achieved the expansion of the ITA, and eliminated the export subsidy of agricultural products. We 
commend the positive role played by the U.S. side in getting those deals done.  
4.135.   However, we note with concern that in recent years, the U.S. has showed declining 
interest and commitment to the multilateral negotiations. During the Nairobi Ministerial 
Conference, the U.S.'s claiming "the Doha Round is dead" cast deep shadows over the DDA 
negotiation. The recent campaign rhetoric of "pulling out of the WTO" made by the U.S. President -WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  elect Donald Trump has caused serious wo rries among WTO Members regarding the future of the 
multilateral trading system.  
4.136.   China hopes that the U.S. will keep showing the leadership in preserving the multilateral 
trading system as the major avenue for trade liberalization, implementing its due obl igations and 
taking into full consideration the concerns of developing Members, ultimately contributing to 
achieve balanced and development -oriented outcomes of the Doha Round and a successful MC11 
next year.  
4.137.   During the period under review, the U.S. has fu rthered its trade facilitation efforts in 
establishing the single window International Trade Data Systems (ITDS) and continuing to simplify 
its entry system for import goods. We welcome these positive developments.  
4.138.   However, we have also seen quite a number  of negative factors in recent years.  
4.139.   First, the U.S. has continued to provide huge subsidies to tis major agricultural products, 
which seriously distorts the international agricultural market. The U.S. is the world's leading 
producer and exporter of agric ultural products. The U.S.'s huge agricultural subsidies have been 
the root courses for the unfair competition in the international agricultural market. They have not 
only negatively affected the food security and livelihood of the vast number of poor farm ers in the 
developing agricultural importing Members, but also seriously squeezed market share of the 
developing agricultural exporting Members.  
4.140.   Second, the U.S. has abusively used trade remedy measures and challenged the WTO 
rules. In 2015, the U.S. has i nitiated 42 anti -dumping (AD) and 23 countervailing (CVD) cases, 
increased by 121% and 28%, respectively. Most of these investigations were targeted at the 
developing Members. The U.S. has broken its commitment undertaken 15 years ago in Article 15 
of Chin a's Protocol of Accession to the WTO by continuing to use the illegal "surrogate country" 
methodology in anti -dumping investigations and reviews in the cases against China. With 
non-compliance with some DSB rulings dragging for over 10 years, the U.S. has set the worst 
record in the implementation of the WTO rulings.  
4.141.   Third, lack of transparency is increasingly becoming a systematic concern. During the 
review of foreign investment, the definition of "national security" is rather vague in U.S. law. The 
review  process is not transparent and no justification is provided for denial of projects. There were 
two foreign merges and acquisitions (M&As) that had been vetoed by the U.S. President, both of 
which have involved the Chinese enterprises. In addition, the U.S . Farm Bill introduced in 2014 has 
not been notified to the WTO, Acts of Congress regarding TBT and SPS are rarely notified to the 
WTO, neither are those legislations at state level.  
4.142.   Fourth, the regional and other trade negotiations led by the U.S. are lac king transparency 
and inclusiveness. These negotiations are pursuing so -called high -standard, and neglecting the 
legitimate interests, concerns and policy space of the developing Members.  
4.143.   Hence, we urge the U.S. to take concrete actions to address these co ncerns effectively.  
4.144.   In 2015, the U.S. was China's second largest trading partner, No. 1 export market and 
fourth biggest source of imports. And China was U.S.'s largest trading partner, third biggest export 
market and No. 1 source of imports. From 2009 to 2015, bilateral trade in goods increased by 
87.2% in volume, and the stock of two -way investment went up by 1.5 times.  
4.145.   The history of Sino -U.S. economic and trade relations proved that co -operation has been 
the one and only correct choice for the two count ries. 
4.146.   We look forward to working with the incoming U.S. Administration, to explore converging 
interests. This will surely create more benefits for our peoples and enable two sides to make new 
contributions to the common development and the global economic growth.  
4.147.   In concluding, I would like to thank the U.S. delegation for the replies they have provided 
to our questions, we will go through hem carefully.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  THAILAND  
4.148.   In starting off, Thailand would like to associate itself with ASEAN's statement to be 
delivere d by Lao PDR.  
4.149.   Despite the geographical distance, the United States has always been a major trade 
partner for Thailand, with bilateral trade between Thailand and the U.S. averaging US$36.65 billion 
annually during the past five years. In 2015, the U.S. was Thailand's 3rd largest trading partner in 
the world, with trade value of US$37.5 billion. With Thailand's steadily increasing exports to the 
U.S., in 2015, it has become Thailand's top export destination for the first time since 2009. Import 
wise, the U.S.  currently ranks as our third largest source of imports with a value of US$13.8 
billion. Thailand hopes that with the new Administration, the U.S. open and transparent trade and 
investment regime will continue as the Thai Government looks forward to foster ing our strong and 
mutually beneficial bilateral ties with the United States.  
4.150.   The report by the Secretariat indicates that the U.S. economy grew by an average growth 
of 2.5% during the review period owing primarily to investment growth. With regard to trad e, the 
U.S. continues to be a leading importer and exporter of trade in goods, and continues to perform 
strongly on trade in services, achieving a surplus of US$262 billion in 2015.  
4.151.   Thailand appreciates the U.S. continuous liberal approach to trade and inv estment policies 
and recognizes the U.S.'s strong efforts to improve trade facilitation, further liberalize trade, and 
its dedication to development, as can be seen in the form of unilateral preferences extended to 
LDCs as well as developing countries, inc luding Thailand, through programmes such as the GSP.  
4.152.   In connection to the GSP, Thailand along with other developing country beneficiaries of the 
programme have submitted a petition for duty -free benefits on travel goods and look forward to 
the US favorabl e consideration.  
4.153.   With the U.S. being leading economy in the world and possessing the world's largest and 
most competitive agricultural sector, Thailand views that the U.S. tariffs for agricultural products 
can be lower than the present average of 9.1%, whi ch more than twice as high as the average 
tariffs of non -agriculture products. Also on agriculture, there remains a lack of clarity with regard 
to the 2014 Farm Act, especially information on domestic support. In this regard, Thailand has 
sought clarificat ions to some specific features of the Farm Act such as the Price Loss Coverage 
(PLC) programme and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programme.  
4.154.   The U.S. has always been a key and invaluable contributor to the WTO. It has played a 
leading role in many discus sions and negotiations in both multilateral and plurilateral fronts, 
including the conclusion TFA and the Ministerial Decision on Export Competition, the ITA 
expansion, the revision of the GPA, and the EGA and TiSA negotiations. In this regard, we hope 
that the U.S. will play a leading role in pushing the remaining issues under the DDA forward with a 
view to delivering a substantially meaningful package in MC11 in Buenos Aires, especially in 
agriculture where political will is needed from all key players.  
4.155.   In this review, Thailand submitted quite a number of questions to the United States, 
covering the policies and measures of our interests such as Import restrictions, SPS, Financial and 
Security services, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Intellectual pro perty rights, and as 
mentioned before, the 2014 Farm Act. We look forward to the United States' responses, for which 
we will study carefully with great interest.  
4.156.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the U.S. delegation for 
today's presentation. We thank Ambassador Punke for his tireless contribution and wish him the 
very best in his future challenges. Lastly, we are thankful for the cooperation with the U.S. in 
every level and wish the United States every success in this trade p olicy review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.157.   Singapore associates with the ASEAN statement to be delivered by Lao PDR.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.158.   Singapore and the United States enjoy robust, wide ranging and mutually beneficial 
bilateral relations. The U.S. is Singapore's 4th largest trading partner. T otal trade in goods 
amounted to US$67.7 billion in 2015. Singapore is the U.S.' largest trading partner in ASEAN. Our 
economic ties are underpinned by the U.S. -Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA), which was 
the U.S.' first FTA with an Asian country. Si nce the USSFTA entered into force in 2004, the U.S.' 
goods exports to Singapore have increased by over 70% and its services exports have more than 
doubled.  
4.159.   Bilateral investments have created good jobs in both countries. Singapore holds the largest 
stock of  U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asia and the Pacific, at approximately 
US$228  billion in 2015. This also makes the U.S. the largest foreign direct investor in Singapore. 
In the other direction, the total stock of FDI from Singapore into the U.S. t otaled US$19 billion in 
2015, making Singapore the 4th largest Asian investor in the U.S.  
4.160.   We appreciate the U.S.' commitment to transparency in the WTO. However, there is still 
room for improvement. For example, we note from the Secretariat's report that the U.S.' most 
recent notifications on its support to agriculture do not cover the most recent policy changes 
implemented through the 2014 Farm Act.  
4.161.   The U.S. has been at the forefront of international trade liberalization efforts. It was 
among the early r atifiers of the Trade Facilitation Agreement in 2015. We further note and 
welcome that its single -window system will be fully implemented by the end of this year. The 
expanded Information Technology Agreement (ITA) negotiations were successfully concluded last 
year, thanks in large part to the U.S.' leadership. Similarly, U.S.' leadership is critical for the 
ongoing negotiations on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), and the proposed Fisheries 
Subsidies Agreement (FSA).  
4.162.   The U.S., Singapore and 10 other  countries negotiated the Trans -Pacific Partnership (TPP), 
which aims to broaden and deepen economic integration in the Asia -Pacific and facilitate greater 
trade liberalization. When the TPP Leaders met recently at the sidelines of the APEC Summit in 
Lima,  Peru, they agreed that the fundamental rationale for the TPP has not changed. Singapore 
remains committed to working with all TPP Parties to find a way forward. We hope to have a 
regional trade deal one day which will include the U.S., Singapore, and othe r major trading 
partners.  
4.163.   Both our countries have benefited from a strong, rules -based multilateral trading system, 
which has enhanced our economic competitiveness, created jobs, and improved our standards of 
living. As the world's largest economy, we hop e that the U.S. will continue to play a leadership role 
in promoting trade liberalization.   
4.164.   We thank Ambassador Punke and his excellent team in Geneva for the excellent 
cooperation between our two delegations. We also wish Ambassador Punke the very best i n his 
future endeavours.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.165.   Hong Kong, China (HKC) and the U.S. have all along enjoyed close trade and economic 
relations. Last year, the U.S. was our second largest trading partner and export market, and our 
5th largest source of imports. Th is is an important trading relationship that we value and wish to 
build upon.  
4.166.   On the multilateral level, there are also plenty of opportunities for our cooperation. We are 
pleased to note the U.S.' commitment to the WTO. As the single largest economy and a  top 
trading entity in the world, the US is well placed to strengthen the multilateral trading system, 
pursue trade liberalization and reduce protectionism. We encourage the U.S. to continue its 
efforts, which is crucial at a time when the world's trade an d economic growth is slowing down, 
and when there is a rise in anti -globalization rhetoric.  
4.167.   The U.S. has been actively engaged in multilateral negotiations as well as plurilateral 
negotiations. Together with many other WTO Members including HKC, the U.S. i s a Party to the 
expanded Information Technology Agreement, the benefits of which are shared with all WTO WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  Members by virtue of the MFN principle. We look forward to closer cooperation with the U.S. in 
pursuing continuous and progressive liberalization in o ther areas including trade in services and 
environmental goods.  
4.168.   On trade agreements, we wish to applaud the U.S. for being the first developed country 
Member to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which will deliver significant gains to all 
WTO Members through reduced trade costs. However, we note that some initiatives are more for 
enforcement and import security purposes. While we respect the need to balance between 
promotion of trade flows and security, it is of utmost importance that import se curity initiatives 
should not become barriers to trade. They should not be unnecessarily cumbersome so as to 
restrict trade and create high compliance costs which will harm both exporters and importers.  
4.169.   As for tariffs, we are glad that the U.S. has bound a lmost all of its tariff lines with nearly 
37% of them being duty free. That said, non -ad valorem  tariffs and high tariff rate are still 
maintained on certain products. For example, we are disappointed to see that, more than a decade 
after worldwide quantit ative restrictions under the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing had 
been removed, these products are still treated as sensitive and are subject to ad valorem  duties as 
high as 25%. We encourage the U.S. to convert non -ad valorem  rates to ad valorem  ones, lower 
the applied rates for lines with tariff peaks, and review the cases with high tariffs.   
4.170.   On contingency measures, while HKC is pleased to see that the U.S. has not initiated any 
safeguard investigations under the global provisions since 2001, we n ote with concern that in the 
past decade the U.S. has initiated a total of 569 anti -dumping investigations, making it the second 
largest number of initiations among WTO Members. At the same time, we have seen only 
14 revocations during the last three years  resulting from sunset reviews of anti -dumping and 
countervailing measures. Knowing full well that remedy investigations can carry significant trade 
stifling effects, we hope Members would think twice before initiating such proceedings; and if they 
really have to resort to remedies, we urge them to refrain from any abusive and unwarranted use 
or extension of such measures.  
4.171.   Finally, let me conclude by thanking the U.S. Mission under the capable leadership of 
Ambassador Punke for their constructive engagement  in, and contributions to, the work of the 
WTO.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.172.   The USA is one of the most important trading nations of this Organization. The openness 
and vitality of the U.S. economy, combined with the entrepreneurial nature of its people, have 
helped to  restore growth since the Great Recession of 2008 and to post a solid performance 
between 2014 and 2016. Unemployment has been halved since the financial crisis and is below 
5%. The stability and resilience of the financial sector has been restored, and th e general view is 
that the U.S. economy is now in good health. This is an impressive feat bearing in mind the 
situation in a not so distant past.  
4.173.   Despite – or perhaps because of - the overall feeling of uncertainty surrounding trade 
policy, I would like to  pay tribute today to the U.S.' leadership role in this Organization and its 
predecessor, for over sixty years, and to its continuous commitment to an open rules -based 
trading system. This has been instrumental in promoting the process of globalization tha t has 
enabled many countries represented here today to trade their way to development.  
4.174.   The EU and the U.S. have the deepest bilateral trade and investment relationship in the 
world. Annual trade in goods and services add up to about one trillion dollars. W e are also the 
most integrated economies, with more than €3.4 trillion in reciprocal investments. So we have an 
enormous stake in the U.S.' success.  
4.175.   And, as Members know, we have been engaged since 2013 in the Transatlantic Trade and 
Investment Partnership  negotiations, which include new subjects of relevance to this Organization. 
These negotiations have come to a halt for the time being, but if successful, they could offer new 
subjects and approaches to trade and investment of interest to other Members as well. WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.176.   At the same time, the EU would like to recall the role played by the U.S. in making 
progress during the last Ministerial Conferences. The U.S. showed leadership and demonstrated 
that healthy WTO is in Members' own interest. We would therefore express  our expectation that 
the US will equally engage and contribute to the process of preparing a successful 11th WTO 
Ministerial Conference, where important issues such as agricultural domestic support, fisheries 
subsidies, e -commerce as well as several other s should be considered and where global action is 
needed.  
4.177.   With regard to specific areas of policy in the U.S., I would be remiss, if during a review of 
this kind, I did not also flag some particular questions and concerns:  
 Government procurement limitation s: we remain deeply concerned by the continued use of 
Buy America and related local content restrictions, which are pervasive across sectors and 
level of Government, and have a real and significant negative impact both on the U.S. 
economy and its trading p artners;  
 We continue to believe that the far reaching restrictions in the maritime sector for domestic 
shipping and shipbuilding - effectively exclude foreign participants and impose a significant 
net cost on the U.S. economy. The same is true for the fore ign investment restrictions in the 
air transportation sector;  
 Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures: import procedures for animal and plant products, and 
accompanying verification, certification, audits and inspection, are unduly burdensome 
today, and should  be reformed;  
 The lack of information about standards and technical requirements at federal and 
sub-federal level is a trade barrier for exporting companies, and a single point of information 
would help both US and foreign operators;  
 The prospect of a sin gle window in custom procedures is an important development which 
we very much welcome. However, we recall that measures at the border, including those to 
address security objectives, such as 100% scanning of containers, should be proportionate 
to the risk s; 
 Intellectual property: we have submitted questions on U.S. patent reform, the new trade 
secrets law and on the insufficient level of protection of geographical indications on the U.S. 
market;  
 Agriculture markets: we look forward to receiving answers on the export credit mechanism, 
the dairy promotion and research programmes, and on the Emergency Food Security 
Program.  
4.178.   We have limited ourselves to 50 questions. It is unfortunate that this time again we did not 
get the answers to our questions before the m eeting.  
4.179.   In closing, let me say that the U.S. commitment to this Organization, which is reflected in 
the Government and the Secretariat report, has been key to the WTO's success.  
4.180.   Although the TPR is a retrospective exercise and we will be examining the pas t trade 
policies of the U.S., many Members are concerned by the rhetoric about globalization and trade 
used by the President -elect during the election campaign. Whether these relate to penalizing U.S. 
companies choosing to invest abroad, increasing local c ontent requirements on domestic 
producers, or giving this Organization the cold shoulder at a time when it is in need of leadership, 
we hope that, come 20 January, engagement and enlightened self -interest will prevail over the 
siren's songs of protectionis m and exclusion. That way the "elephant" in the room, as the 
discussant put it, can be brought back to its stable.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  KAZAKHSTAN  
4.181.   In 2012. U.S. -Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership Commission was established. The following 
priority areas of bilateral cooperation between our countries were determined: economy and trade, 
investment, energy, science and technology and other fields.  
4.182.   A key mechanism in the field of energy cooperation is the joint Kazakhstan -U.S. 
Commission on Energy Partnership, within the framework of  which regularly issues such as 
development of the nuclear industry and nuclear safety, environmental safety, oil and gas, and 
mining cooperation, as well as energy efficiency and renewable energy development issues are 
addressed.  
4.183.   I also would like to note  that the U.S. is the major investment partner of Kazakhstan. In 
the course of the last decade, the gross volume of foreign direct investments from the U.S. to the 
Kazakhstan economy has amounted to US$25 billion. In 2015, the U.S. became the second larges t 
investor in Kazakhstan following the European Union Member States.  
4.184.   There are about 500 companies originating from the U.S. who are actively working in 
Kazakhstan, and thus contributing to economic growth of my country. They are working mostly in 
oil and  gas, financial services sectors, agriculture production as well as agro -processing, and 
machinery building sectors of Kazakhstan's economy.  
4.185.   It is also worth mentioning the positive role of the bilateral visa regimes applied by our 
countries for promotion  of business contacts. Today citizens of the U.S. and Kazakhstan have the 
possibility to receive the 5 -year visas and U.S. citizens can enjoy visa -free entry for up to 15 days.  
4.186.   In 2015, the total volume of bilateral trade was equalled to US$1.8 billion. W e believe 
there is still huge underutilized potential for further increase of bilateral trade.  
4.187.   I also would like to mention the positive role played by the United States -Central Asia 
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement, which is one of the key vehicle s for trade and 
investment discussions. TIFA talks focus mostly on areas, including customs administration, 
investment policy, technical regulations and standards, sanitary measures, and government 
procurement system.  
4.188.   The U.S. is a very important strategic  partner of Kazakhstan. And, as I have mentioned, 
there is a huge potential still for further enhancement of mutually beneficial trade and economic 
cooperation.  
4.189.   Using this opportunity, I also would like to thank the U.S. Government, in particular 
Ambassad or Froman (USTR), Ambassador Punke, Assistant USTR Mark Linscott and his team for 
the strong support which has been extended to Kazakhstan's accession to the World Trade 
Organization.  
4.190.   In the course of our complex negotiations, we use this for further impro vement of the 
investment climate as well as for very substantial reforms in foreign trade policy, particularly for 
reduction of trade barriers, not only in bilateral trade but in general trade policy of Kazakhstan.  
4.191.   I would like to wish the U.S. delegation  a successful Trade Policy Review and to wish to 
Michael Punke all the best in his next move, and to say in conclusion that we will be missing you 
very much.  
MOLDOVA  
4.192.   We would like to congratulate the U.S. on ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement  
and the expanded Information Technology Agreement, implemented on 1 July 2016. We commend 
the involvement and commitments undertaken by the U.S. in the adoption of the revised GPA. We 
look forward to the developments regarding further promotion and ratifi cation of the Trans -Pacific 
Partnership Agreement, signed in February 2016. As well, we encourage conclusion of the 
negotiations for further trade liberalization, particularly through the Environmental Goods 
Agreement and the Trade in Services Agreement. B earing the fact that the U.S. economy is WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  dominated by the services sector (including government services), which accounts for some 80% 
of GDP.  
4.193.   As well, we look forward to the further activity of the new Trade Promotion Authority 
enacted on 29 June 2015, un der the 2015 Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priority Act, which has 
the mandate to provide associated legislative procedure for new trade agreements.  
4.194.   The U.S. economy, one of the leading global economies in the world, continued to expand 
during the review period. Despite a challenging geopolitical environment and regional instability, 
the real GDP continued to expand at annual rates of 2.4% and 2.6% in 2014 and 2015, 
respectively, before slowing down to a rate of around 1% in the first half of 2016. The U.S . 
economy represents about 20% of total global output and has the sixth highest per capita GDP.  
4.195.   The U.S. has consistently run a trade deficit, mainly due to the dependence on foreign oil 
to meet its energy needs and high domestic demand for consumer goods produced abroad, 
however, thanks to advances in domestic oil production, the energy gap is closing. Although the 
United States has lost some of its competitive edge in recent decades, material goods still 
represent two thirds of its total exports. In 2015,  the U.S. exported US$1.510 trillion in goods.  
4.196.   The Moldovan Government has addressed in written form two questions to the United 
States Government with regards to the MPF provisions established in the Trans Pacific Partenership 
Agreement which prohibit the  use of an ad valorem  fee for customs processing that applies to the 
MPF. And the second question pertaining to the envisaged establishment on the use of SPS 
measures in the agricultural sector and geographical indications in the 2015 TPA. We are grateful 
to having received the answers today in the morning and we shall review these accordingly.  
4.197.   The trade and economic relations between the Republic of Moldova and the United States 
have been steadily advancing, they being regulated mostly by the bilateral agr eement on trade 
relations and the treaty on promotion and mutual protection of investments.  
4.198.   Since 1995, Moldova enjoys unilateral preferential access to the U.S. market based on the 
Generalized System of Preferences. This system created an additional oppo rtunity for Moldovan 
exports. The volumes of foreign trade between the Republic of Moldova and the U.S. are still low, 
reaching the amount of US$50 million in January -august 2016. The main exported product to U.S. 
is Moldovan wine, while among the most imp orted products from U.S. are cars.  
4.199.   In the period under review, there has been a decrease of the total volume of bilateral trade 
of -30% in 2015, compared to 2014, with a negative trade balance in favour of the United States. 
Today, there are 380 companies with American capital, registered in the Republic of Moldova, with 
a total social capital of US$25 million, which is 5% of the total social capital invested from abroad, 
making the United States the top 6th investor in Moldova's social capital, and the top  7th – by the 
number of companies which have American investment component. Among the most important 
Moldovan companies with American capital, as provided by the AmCham, there are "Trans Oil", 
"SUN Communications", "Glass Container Company"," Lear Corporat ion". 
4.200.   The Moldovan Government looks forward to continue discussions with the Office of the U.S. 
Trade Representative in Washington, D.C., with a view to re -launch the activity of the Joint 
Economic Task Force or the Intergovernmental Commission on trade an d economic cooperation, 
which was established in 2003, and whose last session was held only in 2005. Following that main 
objective, the Moldovan Government has approved the renewed structure and mandate of the 
Moldovan side of the Commission as of 4 May 20 16, which is led by the Deputy Minister of 
Economy. We stand ready to hold the next Session of the Economic Commission in 2017 in 
Chisinau or Washington, DC.  
4.201.   The Moldovan Government is grateful for the development assistance provided by the 
USAID and the M illennium Challenge Corporation, in areas such as regional development, social 
care, agriculture, road and other national infrastructure.  
4.202.   As well, the Moldovan Government looks forward to work with the next American 
Administration and we express our hope t hat the EU neighboring countries from Eastern Europe 
shall remain a priority on the trade and economic agenda of the new U.S. Government.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.203.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 13th exercise of the trade policy review will 
help the United States to achieve its economic objectives, while improving the global economic 
output.  
4.204.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations with the 
United  States and, on behalf of the delegation of the Republic of Moldova, I wish to the America n 
delegation the utmost success during the thirteenth WTO Trade Policy Review Cycle.  
ARGENTINA  
4.205.   La Argentina y los Estados Unidos poseen una muy activa relación bilateral. En el 
económico y comercial, nos referiremos a algunos temas que consideramos de inte rés. 
Principales acuerdos económicos y comerciales en el marco bilateral  
4.206.   El Acuerdo Marco sobre Comercio e Inversiones (AMCI) y el Diálogo Comercial fueron 
firmados en ocasión de la Visita Oficial del Presidente Barack Obama en marzo de 2016 y 
constituyen  los cauces para desarrollar una cooperación bilateral en todas las áreas del quehacer 
económico y comercial, con el fin de promover el aumento de las oportunidades económicas y de 
inversión para ambas Partes. Desde la firma del AMCI y del Diálogo Comercia l ambos países han 
intensificado los contactos, la cooperación, las consultas y la definición de agendas de trabajo 
entre las respectivas agencias de gobierno, en los ámbitos de la producción y el comercio, la 
energía, las telecomunicaciones, la agroindust ria, las medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias, entre 
otros.  
Acuerdo Marco sobre Comercio e Inversiones  
4.207.   El principal objetivo del AMCI es ampliar el comercio y fortalecer las relaciones económicas 
entre ambos países. A tal fin, crea un Consejo de Alto Nive l para monitorear las relaciones de 
comercio e inversiones e identificar oportunidades, a través del desarrollo de un programa de 
trabajo, que cubre un amplio rango de temas, desde facilitación del comercio, cooperación en 
asuntos agrícolas, servicios y te cnología de la información, entre otros. La primera reunión del 
Consejo del AMCI técnico se realizó en Buenos Aires el 7 de noviembre pasado1. El encuentro 
Ministerial fue presidido en forma conjunta por la Sra. Canciller Susana Malcorra y el Sr. Ministro 
de Producción Francisco Cabrera y por parte estadounidense por el Embajador Michael Froman, 
titular de la oficina de la Representación Comercial de los Estados Unidos. También participó el 
Embajador de ese país en la Argentina, Noah Mamet.   
Diálogo Comerc ial  
4.208.   En el marco del Diálogo Comercial establecido entre el Ministerio de Producción y el 
Departamento de Comercio de los Estados Unidos, los días 26 y 27 de octubre últimos se celebró 
en Washington la Primera Reunión Ministerial. Se ha avanzado en la inst itucionalización de buenas 
prácticas regulatorias (coherencia regulatoria); cooperación e intercambio de experiencias en la 
implementación de medidas comerciales (antidumping); buenas prácticas en la elaboración de 
estrategias de desarrollo; facilitación d el comercio; promoción de la competitividad sectorial. El 
programa de trabajo futuro incluye cooperación en desarrollo de técnicas y estrategias de 
competitividad, inversiones en comunidades (clusters) de fabricación; colaboración en la 
identificación de s ectores y regiones para el desarrollo sustentable en ambos países; intercambio 
de buenas prácticas en el proceso de atracción de inversiones y servicios; cooperación en el 
financiamiento de las exportaciones entre el EximBank y el BICE; cooperación entre l as respectivas 
agencias de inversión. El Ministro de la Producción Francisco Cabrera expresó su firme intención de 
celebrar el próximo encuentro Ministerial en Buenos Aires en marzo próximo.  
4.209.   En lo relacionado con el acceso de productos argentinos deseamos detallar algunos casos.  
Acceso de productos argentinos al mercado estadounidense  
a) Limones del NOA y Cítricos dulces del NEA y NOA  
                                                
1 Reuniones técnicas del AMCI se realizaron en Buenos Aires en mayo y octubre pasados.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  i. Proceso de apertura para los limones del NOA: el pasado 10 de mayo el Servicio de 
Inspección de Sanidad Animal y Vegetal del D epartamento de Agricultura de los 
Estados Unidos (APHIS/USDA) publicó la propuesta de norma para autorizar la 
importación de limones del NOA. Dicha propuesta estuvo disponible para recibir los 
comentarios del público hasta el 10 de agosto de 2016 (contó co n una prórroga de 30 
días). El APHIS/USDA se encuentra actualmente redactando la norma final. Como parte 
de este proceso, del 12 al 16 de septiembre pasado se realizó una visita del APHIS a 
establecimientos pre -inscriptos para la exportación de limón en Tu cumán, Salta y 
Jujuy. Se aguarda el informe de esa misión, el que se prevé positivo. Se estima que 
para exportar en 2017 (temporada abril -agosto) el procedimiento normativo debería 
ser finalizado antes del cambio de administración en los Estados Unidos (en ero 2017).  
ii. Cítricos dulces del NEA y NOA (naranjas, mandarinas y pomelos): la Argentina solicitó 
en 2008 la apertura del mercado de EE.UU. para los cítricos dulces argentinos del NEA 
y NOA (naranjas, mandarinas y pomelos). El APHIS/USDA sostiene que es nec esario 
concluir primero el proceso de los limones del NOA.  
iii. Carnes argentinas frescas (enfriadas o congeladas).  
4.210.   Las exportaciones de carnes argentinas frescas, enfriada o congelada, han sido autorizadas 
por el Servicio de Inspección de Sanidad Animal y Veg etal del Departamento de Agricultura de los 
EEUU (APHIS). Resta  concretar el reconocimiento de la equivalencia para lo cual SENASA ya ha 
remitido al Servicio de Inspección de Inocuidad de los Alimentos (FSIS) la información que le fuera 
solicitada. Del 28 de noviembre al 14 de diciembre pasado el FSIS realizó una visita a nuestro país 
para una evaluación en terreno para avanzar en ese reconocimiento.  
b) Biocombustible  
i. Antecedentes: El 29 de agosto del 2012 la Cámara Argentina de Biocombustibles 
(CARBIO) solic itó a la Agencia de Protección del Medio Ambiente de los EE.UU. (EPA) 
autorización para exportar a ese país biodiesel destinado al mercado del transporte 
automotor. Argentina solamente estaba autorizada para exportar biodiesel para 
calefacción, del cual er a uno de los principales abastecedores. La EPA autorizó las 
exportaciones el 27 de enero de 2015. El biodiesel es el primer producto en valor entre 
las exportaciones argentinas a este país, con casi el 50% de las importaciones en 2015 
es el principal desti no de estas exportaciones y hace a nuestro país el mayor 
abastecedor de este producto para EE.UU.  
ii. Acciones de lobby: la National Biodiesel Board  y la American Soybean Association  
desarrollan una intensa campaña de lobby contra la autorización otorgada por la EPA. 
Las gestiones estarían concentradas en:  
(1)  la modificación del subsidio que reciben las refinerías, que pasaría a ser percibido 
por los productores locales.  
(2) el juicio iniciado a la EPA el 12 de enero de 2016, la NBB inició un juicio a la EPA 
por la autorización otorgada a CARBIO. Dicho proceso se halla en curso.  
iii. El actual esquema fiscal a favor del biodiesel en EE.UU. fue instituido por la ley 
ómnibus promulgada el 18 de diciembre de 2015 (Omnibus Spending Bill of The 
Consolidated Appropriations Act , 2016 ). Dicha normativa dispuso dentro del marco 
temporal, determinado retroactivamente, a partir del 1/01/2015 y hasta el 31/12/2016 
inclusive, el incentivo de un crédito fiscal de un dólar por galón de biodiesel, a ser 
percibido por los mezcladores.  
iv. Atento que los efectos legales de la citada norma cesan el próximo 31 de diciembre se 
han presentado, en el Congreso estadounidense, dos proyectos a fin de gestionar entre 
otros aspectos la reconducción del beneficio fiscal hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2019.  
Ambos proyectos son de idéntico tenor jurídico, difiriendo de la ley vigente por cuanto 
la actividad alcanzada para otorgar el crédito fiscal sería el biodiesel vendido 
exclusivamente por el contribuyente (definido como aquella persona que paga 
impuestos internos).  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  v. Se mantiene seguimiento sobre este tema a fin de contrarrestar las acciones de lobby 
que puedan perjudicar la posición argentina.  
Sistema Generalizado de Preferencias (SGP)  
4.211.   La Argentina fue suspendida del SGP estadounidense en 2012 por incumpli miento de 
laudos en materia de inversiones. Aunque dichas causales han desaparecido y no ha habido un 
reconocimiento de esa situación, adicionalmente, según la normativa estadounidense, el acceso al 
SGP no se concede a países de renta alta. Al respecto, el  Banco Mundial había ubicado a la 
Argentina en la Lista de Países de Renta Alta a julio 2015 (por encima de los 12.700 dólares 
EE.UU.) pero los datos recientemente revisados por dicha entidad la ubican ligeramente por debajo 
de ese límite (12.460 dólares E E.UU.).  
4.212.   Sobre esta base la Argentina presentó el 28 de octubre pasado la solicitud formal para su 
reincorporación como país beneficiario del SGP y lo reiteró en la I° Reunión del AMCI (7 de 
noviembre de 2016). La Oficina del Representante Comercial de los  Estados Unidos (USTR) inició 
el 21 de noviembre pasado la revisión para considerar si la  Argentina cumple con los requisitos 
legales para ser designado como país en desarrollo beneficiario del Sistema Generalizado de 
Preferencias (SGP). Esa revisión incl uye el siguiente calendario:  
 23 de diciembre del 2016: fecha límite para la presentación de comentarios previos a la 
audiencia y solicitudes para participar en la audiencia pública del 10 de enero de 2017.  
 10 de enero de 2017: audiencia pública del Subco mité del SGP del Comité de Política 
Comercial (TPSC) sobre la elegibilidad del SGP para Argentina.  
 24 de enero de 2017: fecha límite para presentación de comentarios post -audiencia.  
4.213.   Queremos destacar el reinicio de las operaciones del EximBank.  
Reinicio d e operaciones del EximBank con la Argentina  
4.214.   En septiembre pasado el Presidente del Export -Import Bank of the United States 
(EximBank), Fred P. Hochberg, visitó Buenos Aires y tras entrevistarse con el Sr. Presidente de la 
Nación, anunció que el Banco rean uda sus operaciones en Argentina para otorgar financiamiento a 
corto y mediano plazo tanto al sector público como al privado. Hochberg destacó que esta 
reanudación se debe en gran parte a las medidas adoptadas por Argentina en los últimos meses. 
Las operac iones del Banco con la Argentina están habilitadas hasta un monto de 10 millones de 
dólares EE.UU., y ya ha recibido consultas de exportadores estadounidenses, iniciando en algunos 
casos un proceso de aprobación puede llevar de 1 a 3 meses. La Sra. Kate Bi shop, Gerente de 
Desarrollo Comercial y Desarrollo Comercial Global del EximBank ha indicado que el Gobierno haría 
un nuevo intento en diciembre de introducir una reforma que le permita al Banco aprobar créditos 
de montos mayores.  
INTERCAMBIO COMERCIAL E I NVERSIONES  
Evolución  
4.215.   En el período 2003 -2015, el intercambio comercial entre nuestro país y los Estados Unidos 
puede describirse a partir de tres etapas: 2003 -2006:  crecimiento del comercio total bilateral con 
un leve superávit para la Argentina; 2006 -2008: inicio déficit comercial para la Argentina; 2009 al 
presente:  fuerte crecimiento de las importaciones provenientes de los Estados Unidos y 
profundización del déficit comercial. En la última década, los flujos de comercio bilateral muestran 
que las ventas  argentinas crecieron un 13,3%, es decir un incremento anual promedio de 1,3%, 
en tanto que las ventas de los Estados Unidos han acumulado un alza del 219,6%, es decir un 
12,3% promedio anual.  
Año 2015  
4.216.   Esta tendencia creciente de las importaciones desde lo s Estados Unidos observó una leve 
disminución en el año 2015: las importaciones pasaron de 8.775 millones de dólares EE.UU. en WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  2014 a 7.655 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2015. No obstante, por séptimo año consecutivo, el 
saldo de la balanza comercial fue d eficitario para la Argentina en 4.273 millones de dólares EE.UU. 
En 2015, las exportaciones alcanzaron los 3.382 millones de dólares EE.UU. mientras que años 
anteriores promediaron los 4.300 millones de dólares EE.UU. Las importaciones totalizaron los 
7.655 millones de dólares EE.UU. En 2015, los 5 principales productos argentinos exportados a 
Estados Unidos fueron: Biodiesel y sus mezclas (11,4% sobre el total de las exportaciones a ese 
país), aceites crudos de petróleo (8,8%); vinos (8,8%); y aluminio en bruto (5,7%). A su vez, los 
principales productos importados desde los Estados Unidos fueron: combustibles minerales y 
aceites minerales (16,3%) y aeronaves (6,4%).  
Inversiones  
4.217.   En términos de Inversión Extranjera Directa (IED), Estados Unidos es el primer país de 
origen en términos de stock y el primero en términos de flujos en el período 2005 -2014, con 13.4 
mil millones de dólares EE.UU. en éste último año (stock). Más de 500 empresas estadounidenses 
tienen presencia en el país en los sectores de manufactu ras, minería, energía, tecnología de la 
información y finanzas.  
4.218.   La Argentina ha presentado una serie de preguntas a los Estados Unidos en el marco del 
presente Examen de Política Comercial, cuyas respuestas recibidas esta mañana agradecemos. Las 
mismas ser án analizadas.  
4.219.   Finalmente, le deseamos a los Estados Unidos un excelente examen de política comercial y 
esperamos trabajar en conjunto con los Estados Unidos y otros Miembros con el objeto de avanzar 
en las presentes negociaciones multilaterales en la OMC,  con vistas a la próxima Conferencia 
Ministerial en Buenos Aires.  
4.220.   No se puede concluir esta intervención sin desearle al Embajador Punke los mejores 
deseos y augurios en su nueva etapa.  
UKRAINE  
4.221.   Back in 2008, the year of Ukraine's accession to the WTO, Ukra ine and the United States 
signed the Charter on Strategic Partnership, the Trade and Investment Co -operation Agreement 
and established the Trade and Investment Council, which serves as a major forum for discussion 
of our bilateral trade and economic relati ons. 
4.222.   Now the United States is the largest Ukraine's trade partner in the Americas, accounting 
for over 60% of the Ukrainian overall trade with countries of this region. Certainly Ukraine has a 
great potential to further deepen and enhance our economic rela tionship.  
4.223.   Since the United States is the world's largest economy and one of the major trading 
nations, we are pleased to note that during the period under review, the U.S. economy continued 
to grow.  
4.224.   As a developing country, Ukraine welcomes the 2015 renewa l of the U.S. Generalized 
System of Preferences programme.  
4.225.   Ukraine would also like to express its gratitude for the assistance the United States 
provides to Ukraine with implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and building 
trade -related capacity.  
4.226.   Being strongly committed to the rule -based multilateral trading system, Ukraine 
appreciates the U.S. efforts and its contribution to further development of the system and 
liberalization of trade in goods and services.  
4.227.   Having concluded the Deep and Compreh ensive Free Trade Agreement with the European 
Union, our largest trade partner, Ukraine is closely watching developments in U.S. -EU negotiations 
of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership. We wish a successful conclusion of the 
negotiations, and  believe that this comprehensive agreement will complement the WTO 
multilateral trading system without having any adverse effects on other trade partners.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.228.   Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions on a range of the following topics:  
 Investment r egime and measures governing foreign investment.  
 Applied tariffs on some goods and possible changes in tariff policy regarding agricultural 
goods.  
 Footwear and textiles.  
 Application of merchandise processing fee.  
 Clarification on anti -dumping measures (in particular, on Ukrainian steel and chemical 
products).  
 Elements of drawback regime within export support and promotion.  
 Implementation of provisions of the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement in the U.S. 
legislation.  
 Application of Price Loss Coverage an d Agricultural Risk Coverage programmes and the 
effect of providing this price support to farmers and further details on the Small Business 
initiative.  
4.229.   We would like to express gratitude for the responses, which we are carefully reviewing.  
4.230.   In conclusion, I  would like to express our deep appreciation to the U.S. delegation and 
especially to the team of U.S. Mission to the WTO in Geneva for their hard work in preparing for 
this TPR and for cooperation on the range of WTO issues.  
4.231.   We wish the U.S. delegation a successful and fruitful trade policy review and look forward 
to continue further strengthening our bilateral relations.  
RUSSIAN  FEDERATION  
4.232.   During the period under review, we have appreciated the constructive work with 
Ambassador Michael Punke and the U.S. Mission to the WTO here in Geneva. We took note of 
Ambassador Punke's soon departure, and we wish him all the success in his future assignments.  
4.233.   Regardless the current difficulties in the Russian -U.S. relations, the U.S. still remains one 
of Russia's large st trading partners, and its influence on the global market cannot be 
underestimated. Russia thus commends the United States on having ratified the WTO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in January 2015.  
4.234.   Consequently, the Russian Federation has a number o f questions with regards to the U.S. 
trade policies. In total, Russia raised over 70 questions regarding import restrictions, import 
licensing, subsidy programmes, government procurement, intellectual property rights and banking 
services. We thank the Unit ed States for having provided written responses to our questions, and 
we will review them thoroughly.  
4.235.   We have also raised a number of questions related to agriculture and fishery, as well as 
SPS measures. We thank the United States for the replies. However , the Russian Federation is still 
of the view that measures related to import of agricultural and fishery products should not be 
more trade restrictive, than necessary.  
4.236.   The Russian Federation would also like to recall that, at the previous TPR of the Unite d 
States, we referred to certain anti -dumping measures which are about to approach their twentieth 
and even thirtieth anniversaries. These long -lasting measures have been introduced with the use 
of "non -market economy" methodologies, and the "zeroing" meth odology had also been used in 
some of the cases. Among these long -lasting measures are the ones on imports of solid urea, 
hot-rolled carbon steel plate flat products, certain cut -to length carbon steel plates. With respect 
to these measures we would like t o reiterate our position that these measures no longer reflect the 
current import prices and economic conditions. This can be clearly illustrated with the results of 
administrative reviews of the measure on imports of solid urea, which ended with zero -percent 
duties for their participants. Therefore, we urge the United States to consider current economic 
conditions during sunset reviews of the measures applied for decades, and to assess carefully and 
in compliance with the WTO requirements whether there is still a need for these measures.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.237.   To conclude, we would like to reiterate that Russia is willing to work together with the U.S. 
and the other Members in order to achieve fruitful results at the 11th Ministerial Conference in 
Buenos -Aires.  
4.238.   Finally, the Russ ian Federation would like to congratulate the U.S. with the election of the 
new President and we look forward to working with the new Administration in the future.  
NORWAY  
4.239.   The U.S. has been crucial to the development and operation of the multilateral rules -based 
trading system. Through negotiations of multilateral, regional and plurilateral agreements, as well 
its work to maintain the integrity of existing trade agreements, the U.S is at the forefront of 
developing global trade norms and policies. We highly appreciate the U.S.' commitment to 
multilateral processes, while also taking an active role in plurilateral initiatives.  
4.240.   Norway greatly values our close co -operation with the U.S. on fundamental areas of global 
and multilateral trade policy. We look forwa rd to working with the incoming administration and 
other WTO -Members to achieve concrete results in Buenos Aires.  
4.241.   We commend the U.S. for its leading role as co -chair in the EGA ministerial meeting earlier 
this month and remain hopeful that participants w ill agree on the remaining issues in the 
Environmental Goods Agreement as soon as possible. We also hope that the U.S. will continue to 
play a constructive role in the negotiations on a Trade in Services Agreement.  
4.242.   Norway and the U.S. enjoy a strong bilat eral trade relationship. The U.S. is Norway's 
fourth largest source of imports and the sixth largest export destination, with a share of 
respectively 6.25% and 4.50% in 2015. In 2015, the Norwegian stock of foreign direct investment 
in the U.S. was US$14.4  billion and U.S. foreign direct investment in Norway was US$12.2 billion.  
4.243.   Norway and the U.S. have a good dialogue on trade policy issues. Particularly useful are 
the annual Informal Commercial Exchange talks between the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, 
Indus try and Fisheries and the U.S. Department of Commerce, the so -called ICE -talks. The 
dialogue meetings that take place between the EFTA states and the USTR on trade issues and 
between the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries and the National Oceanic an d Atmospheric 
Administration on fisheries issues are also of great value.   
4.244.   Norway and the U.S. have joint interests in ensuring that the trade in legal seafood is 
safeguarded. We underline our commitment to combat IUU fishing. Combating IUU warrants good 
fisheries management and control. Market measures such as catch documentation schemes can be 
important additional tools to achieve the objective. However, it is important that such measures 
are consistent with WTO -rules and are based on an objective risk -analysis as to whether a product 
stems from IUU -fishing. We are looking forward to working closely with the United States through 
all of 2017 on the important issue of disciplines for fisheries subsidies. We aim for good results by 
Buenos Aires in both the multilateral negotiations as well as the negotiations for a plurilateral 
Fisheries Subsidies Agreement.  
4.245.   Norway attaches great importance to international trade in maritime transport services. 
Maritime transport provides essential infrastructure for trade in general, and it is a longstanding 
interest of Norway that all WTO members contribute to predictability and openness for this key 
sector through binding commitments. We believe strongly that it will be of mutual benefit that we 
through GATS and in other agreements and negotiations continue to work for improved 
commitments on maritime transport services.  
4.246.   Anti-dumping is a topic that concerns us. The report by the Secretariat (3.1.7.2) notes that 
the United States continues to be an active user of anti -dump ing duties. During the period 2014 
until the end of June 2016, the number of AD investigation initiations totaled 85. There were 
269 AD orders in place as of 30 June 2016. During the review period, the United States was 
involved in five new dispute settlem ent cases as a respondent, and in two new cases as a 
complainant (Table A2.3). It is important that restraint is shown in the use of these measures and 
that ordinary legitimate competition is allowed.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.247.   Norway and the U.S. have several mutual interests in a  broad international dialogue in the 
International Working Group (IWG) concerning a possible agreement on export credits. Norway 
appreciates the U.S.' efforts and work in the steering committee of the IWG. We emphasize the 
importance of broad international  guidelines on matters such as pricing and transparency. 
Competition among exporters should be based on the quality and price of the offered goods and 
services, rather than on the most favorable financial terms and conditions.  
4.248.   In closing, we would like to  thank Ambassador Punke and his team for all their hard work 
and express our confidence that this review will be useful for both the United States and its trading 
partners.  
REPÚBLICA  DOMINICANA  
4.249.   Para la República Dominicana, Estados Unidos es su más importa nte socio comercial, 
además somos partes del acuerdo de libre comercio DR -CAFTA, que incluye también a los países 
centroamericanos, cuyo flujo comercial constituyó el tercer mercado de exportación de los Estados 
Unidos hacia la América Latina y el Caribe. El flujo comercial entre los países que componen el 
DR-CAFTA es de 53 mil millones de dólares EE.UU. El flujo comercial entre República Dominicana y 
los Estados Unidos alcanzó aproximadamente los 12 mil millones de dólares EE.UU. en el 2015, 
representando un valor superior al 45% del flujo comercial total de la República Dominicana. En 
cuanto a las inversiones directas provenientes de los Estados Unidos hacia la 
República  Dominicana, en el año 2015, la cifra alcanzó los 404.3 millones de dólares EE.UU., 
siendo el principal origen de inversión extranjera para la República Dominicana.  
4.250.   En este nuevo examen de su política comercial, deseamos felicitar al Gobierno de Estados 
Unidos, ya que tal y como lo indica el informe de la Secretaría de la OMC, durante el pe ríodo 
objeto de examen, la economía de los Estados Unidos continuó su ritmo de crecimiento, 
registrando el PIB real una tasa media anual de crecimiento del 2,1% desde el período de la 
recuperación en el segundo trimestre del 2009, del 2,4% en 2014 y del 2, 6% en 2015. Gracias a 
las medidas expansivas de política macroeconómica, a los bajos tipos de interés en general y a un 
conjunto importante de medidas de estímulo por valor de más de 800.000 millones de dólares 
EE.UU., la economía estadounidense se ha recu perado en gran medida de la profunda crisis.  
4.251.   También se indica que el crecimiento del consumo privado ha sido sólido y la tasa de 
desempleo ha seguido reduciéndose, del 10% en 2009 a menos del 5% en la actualidad. El 
fortalecimiento del mercado de trabajo  y el crecimiento del ingreso personal, junto con el descenso 
de los precios de la energía y la baja inflación, que se ha mantenido por debajo del objetivo a largo 
plazo del 2% establecido por la Reserva Federal, han reforzado el poder adquisitivo de los 
consumidores. Sin embargo, tomamos nota de que a pesar de los sólidos resultados económicos, 
siguen existiendo importantes desafíos, como el de hacer frente al deterioro de las infraestructuras 
y al aumento de las desigualdades de ingresos. Su economía está  dominada por el sector de los 
servicios (incluidos los servicios gubernamentales), que representa cerca del 80% del PIB.  
4.252.   Durante el período objeto de examen, el régimen de inversión extranjera en los Estados 
Unidos no ha variado. En líneas generales, el r égimen es abierto y liberal, Los Estados Unidos 
siguen siendo el principal destino de la inversión extranjera directa del mundo, con un flujo de 
entradas totales de 348.400 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 2015. Sin embargo, la cuenta corriente 
siguió siendo deficitaria, aunque decreciente durante el período objeto de examen; en 2015 
alcanzó 463.000 millones de dólares EE.UU., es decir el 2,6% del PIB.  
4.253.   En cuanto a la política comercial, vemos que desde el último examen, los instrumentos de 
política comercial han variado poco, llamando la atención La nueva Autoridad de Promoción del 
Comercio (TPA), aprobada el 29 de junio de 2015 en virtud de la Ley Bipartidaria del Congreso 
sobre Prioridades Comerciales, el cual constituye el procedimiento legislativo pertinen te para la 
conclusión de nuevos acuerdos comerciales hasta el 1º de julio de 2018, con posibilidad de 
prórroga para la concertación de nuevos acuerdos hasta el 1º de julio de 2021.  
4.254.   Saludamos las nuevas medidas de facilitación de comercio, las cuales se ha n centrado en 
la aplicación del Sistema de Datos sobre el Comercio Internacional (ITDS) como ventanilla única 
para el 31 de diciembre de 2016. En el futuro, los comerciantes utilizarán la Plataforma Comercial 
Automatizada (ACE) para suministrar toda la inf ormación que exigen el Servicio de Aduanas y WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  Protección de Fronteras (CBP) de los Estados Unidos y los 47 organismos gubernamentales 
asociados para el despacho de las importaciones y las exportaciones. También felicitamos a los 
Estados Unidos por la ratifi cación del Acuerdo de Facilitación de Comercio de la OMC. Otras 
medidas de facilitación del comercio incluyen la continuación de la labor sobre los programas 
simplificados de entrada y los programas de comerciantes de confianza. Nos felicitamos pues al 
final del 2015, la República Dominicana, junto a México y Canadá, eran los únicos países del 
Hemisferio Occidental con los que el CBP tenía acuerdos de reconocimiento mutuo, según el 
párrafo 3.15 del informe de la Secretaría.  
4.255.   En lo referente a la aplicación d e medidas comerciales correctivas, nos preocupa que los 
Estados Unidos siguen aplicando con frecuencia derechos antidumping. En el período comprendido 
entre 2014 y finales de junio de 2016, el número de investigaciones antidumping iniciadas 
ascendió a 85. Al 30 de junio de 2016 había en vigor 269 órdenes de imposición de derechos 
antidumping.  
4.256.   Con respecto al sector agrícola de los Estados Unidos, nos sigue causando preocupación la 
Ley de Agricultura de 2014, la cual prevé programas por un monto estimado a 489.000 millones 
de dólares EE.UU., del 2014 al 2018. Siendo este monto de ayuda tan alto, el mismo es muy 
probable que tenga importantes repercusiones en los mercados mundiales, por lo que nos 
preocupa el efecto perjudicial que dichas ayudas puedan estar causando sobre los pequeños y 
medianos productores de los países en desarrollo, deprimiendo los precios de los productos y 
mermando la producción e ingreso de los mismos. En particular, nos preocupa el Programa de 
Cobertura de Pérdidas relacionadas con los  Precios (PLC), cuyo objetivo es contribuir a estabilizar 
los ingresos agrícolas otorgando primas de complemento cuando los precios de los productos 
básicos caen por debajo de determinado nivel. Según el Organismo de Servicios Agrícolas del 
USDA, al 20 de mayo de 2016 se habían efectuado pagos en el marco del Programa PLC por valor 
de 776,2 millones de dólares EE.UU., correspondientes a la superficie de base del arroz de grano 
largo (399,5 millones de dólares EE.UU.), los cacahuetes (321,5 millones de dólar es EE.UU.) y la 
canola (colza) (55,2 millones de dólares EE.UU.)  
4.257.   También nos causa preocupación el Programa de cobertura de riesgos agrícolas ARC que 
cubre una porción de las pérdidas de ingresos de los productores en función de los ingresos 
indicativos (d e referencia) derivados de los productos básicos abarcados. También se prevén 
programas de seguros subvencionados que podrían generar distorsiones en el mercado agrícola de 
los Estados Unidos e internacional. Al 20 de mayo de 2016 habían recibido pagos en el marco de la 
ARC a nivel de condado unas 919.000 explotaciones agrícolas, por un importe total de 
4.440  millones de dólares EE.UU. que correspondieron principalmente a la base histórica del maíz 
(3.700 millones de dólares EE.UU.), el trigo (349 millones de dólares EE.UU.) y las habas de soja 
(317 millones de dólares EE.UU.).  
4.258.   También nos preocupa que en diciembre de 2015, pocos meses después de que las 
facultades del Banco de Exportación -Importación de los Estados Unidos (Banco EXIM) se 
suspendieran tempo ralmente, el Congreso aprobó una ley que las vuelve a autorizar hasta el 30 de 
septiembre de 2019. La reautorización del Banco EXIM va acompañada del mandato de que los 
Estados Unidos inicien negociaciones multilaterales con objeto de poner fin a los progr amas de 
subvención de los créditos a la exportación para 2025, plazo que consideramos muy largo, para la 
eliminación de estos programas, que en particular en el área agrícola pueden ser muy 
distorsionantes de los mercados internacionales.  
4.259.   La República Dom inicana ha presentado algunas preguntas a Estados Unidos, en relación a 
varios aspectos de su régimen comercial y agradecemos las respuestas presentadas las cuales 
vamos a estudiar con detenimiento. Para terminar, exhortamos a los Estados Unidos a que 
continúe encaminando sus esfuerzos para mantener el crecimiento económico estable, y solo nos 
queda desearles muchos éxitos en este examen de política comercial y en el futuro.  
BRAZIL  
4.260.   Brazil attaches great importance to the 13th Trade Policy Review of the Uni ted States. 
Brazil and the U.S. have a longstanding and deep political and economic relationship. The 
United  States is our second largest trade partner – with a bilateral trade flow that amounted to 
US$50.5 billion in 2015 – and the main destination for ou r manufacturing exports. However, WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  despite the decline in imports from the U.S. in the period 2014 -2015, a consequence of the decline 
in economic activity in my countr, Brazil continues to face a bilateral trade deficit, which is of 
particular concern to us .  
4.261.   The United States remains the largest single investor in Brazil, with US$116 billion in 
stock. In the opposite direction, Brazil has significantly increased its stock of FDI in the U.S., from 
US$7.3 billion in 2009 to US$22.4 billion in 2014.  
4.262.   As one of the leading trading countries in the world, the United States has a significant 
responsibility within the multilateral trading system. Its trade policies impact the economic activity 
worldwide. Despite our many differences on the WTO agenda, which are natu ral and legitimate, 
Brazil recognizes the continuous commitment of the U.S. to this Organization. The U.S. 
engagement will be crucial for a successful result at MC11 in Buenos Aires.  
4.263.   This review exercise is, therefore, a valuable opportunity for Members to  identify the areas 
in the U.S. trade policy framework where further improvement would be beneficial to the system.  
4.264.   From the Brazilian perspective, agriculture is an area that comes immediately to the 
forefront of our concerns.  
4.265.   In 2014, a new Farm Bill w as signed into law. The act introduced majors changes in the 
support provided to farmers.  
4.266.   Given the lack of notifications to the Committee on Agriculture for the years covered by 
current legislation, the impact of the new support policies is still unknown.  Moreover, it is unclear 
how payments under the insurance subsidies programs are made and what is the share of the risk 
covered by the Government. It is fundamental for the credibility of the monitoring exercise 
conducted by the CoA that the U.S. updates i ts notifications shortly.  
4.267.   Developments in the U.S. agricultural policy are of major interest for Brazilian producers. 
They continue to face unfair competition in the international market as a consequence of the high 
level of trade distorting support – in the magnitude of USš14 billion a year – that benefit U.S. 
farmers. Subsidies to soybeans and cotton producers in the U.S. seem to remain at high levels, 
generating negative effects for more competitive producers.  
4.268.   In the period under review, we note that th ere have been no changes to the U.S. sugar 
policy. Sugar production in the country remains insulated from market signals through a 
combination of market price support (MPS) and import restrictions. The TRQ administration and 
the criteria used to update the  participation of in -quota suppliers are some of our concerns in this 
regard.  
4.269.   Last year, in Nairobi, Members agreed to the elimination of exports subsidies to 
agricultural products and further disciplines for measures with equivalent effect. It was a major  
step in the direction of the reform of trade rules affecting agriculture and, as we move forward in 
the implementation of the Nairobi package on export competition, Brazil attaches great importance 
to the alignment of the U.S. export credits programs to t he new provisions in this area.  
4.270.   Still in the agriculture sector, restrictions at the border, including high tariffs, continue to 
affect the ability of Brazilian exporters to access the U.S. market. Tariff peaks for products such as 
tobacco, which may be a s high as 350%, must be noted.  
4.271.   On the other hand, it is important to highlight that, on the framework of our bilateral 
Consultative Committee on Agriculture, we agreed to the reciprocal opening of our beef markets 
after more than a decade of negotiations. While we cannot fail to mention the very long time 
required for the conclusion of this process in the U.S., we hope that this positive momentum could 
lead to further achievements in the SPS field.  
4.272.   Turning now to other areas, the United States remains a ma jor user of anti -dumping and 
countervailing measures. Although the number of antidumping orders in force against Brazilian 
exports was relatively low during the period under review, they affect important sectors of our 
industry.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.273.   My delegation follows with  particular interest the application of countervailing measures. It 
is a cause for apprehension to us that this legitimate trade policy tool is being used, in our view, as 
a protection measure to less competitive producers in the U.S. The recourse to trade  remedies by 
any member must comply with the multilateral trade rules and the WTO jurisprudence.  
4.274.   We note with uneasiness that, outside agriculture, subsidies are overwhelmingly directed 
towards the energy sector, with additional energy -related support mea sures at sub -national level, 
in particular for renewable energy.  
4.275.   With regard to the TRIPS Agreement, we are aware that the amendment regarding the 
so-called Paragraph 6 System is poised to enter into force in the near future.  
4.276.   We commend the United States  for being the first country to ratify the amendment, in 
2005, underlining the importance of the use of flexibilities to promote public health. In our view, 
such policies ensure that intellectual property rules contribute to the overall social welfare of 
Members and are in line with Articles 7 and 8 of the TRIPS Agreement. Brazil looks forward to 
continuing working with the U.S. in that matter.  
4.277.   Let me conclude by thanking the Unites States for the written responses to our questions, 
which will be carefully reviewed in Brasilia.  
VIET  NAM 
4.278.   I also would like to express our association with the ASEAN Joint Statement presented by 
Lao PDR.  
4.279.   Since the last trade policy review, we are happy to know that the economy of the 
United  States has continued to grow with real GDP's expansion at annual rates of 2.4% and 2.6% 
in 2014 and 2015, respectively.  
4.280.   We share the same view with the United States that trade has made a powerful 
contribution to the global economy's growth and appreciate the country's target to create 
momentu m for market -opening measures.   
4.281.   Trade relations between Viet Nam and the United States have seen continuous high -rate 
growth since the Bilateral Trade Agreement came into force in 2001. Two -way trade reached 
US$41 billion in 2015. Of the total, Viet Nam's  export to the United States increased by 16.8% 
year-on-year to US$33.4 billion and import grew by 23.7% year -on-year to US$7.8 billion. In the 
first ten months of this year, trade between the two countries totaled US$38.1 billion, an increase 
of 12% from the same period last year.  
4.282.   The United States is currently Viet Nam's biggest importer with such main products as 
seafood, garments and textile, footwear, wood and wooden products, computers, components and 
agricultural products.  
4.283.   With regard to investment,  the United States is among the list of top ten countries and 
economies pouring investment into Viet Nam with total accumulated capital of over US$10 billion.  
4.284.   Although trade relations between Viet Nam and the United States have developed strongly 
in recen t years, bilateral trade, in fact, has not realized its full potential. To further promote 
two-way trade, given recent political developments in the United States, we would highly 
appreciate if the United States take note of the following issues:  
 Firstly,  we note that the Catfish Inspection Program under the 2014 Farm Act applied 
non-conforming regulations on mandatory inspection to aquatic products, which could cause 
serious harm to the exports of pangasius of Viet Nam into the U.S. market. Therefore, we 
kindly request the U.S. to review and apply these regulations in accordance with the WTO 
rules as well as relevant international standards.  
 Secondly, the Appellate Body and/or Panel in cases involving the United States, namely 
DS464 and DS471, have recent ly issued findings that the application of exceptional WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  comparison method under the Antidumping Agreement (in cases where prices differ 
significantly by customer, region or time period) should be under strict disciplines and that 
there should be no use of t he "zeroing" practice. Viet Nam kindly requests that the U.S. 
consistently follows and applies these recommendations and rulings in other proceedings.    
4.285.   For other specific issues such as the National Export Initiative, the non -market 
anti-dumping calculat ions and the Presidential Memorandum on Combating Illegal Fishing and 
Seafood Fraud, we have sent questions to the U.S. delegation for clarification and are looking 
forward to your response.  
4.286.   Viet Nam recognizes the United States' important role in the mult ilateral trading system. 
We wish to be able to further cooperate with the U.S. for a more liberalized trading relation 
between the two countries in the time to come.  
4.287.   Finally, I would like take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Michael Punke and his team  
for the preparation of this review as well as their constructive and active contribution and 
engagement in WTO activities and wish the United States a successful Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA  
4.288.   India and the United States share a multifaceted Global Strategic Partnership based on 
shared democratic values and increasing convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and global 
issues and regular exchange of high level visits. Rapidly expanding trade and economic ties are an 
important pillar of our partnership. The two way trade in goods and services has been growing 
steadily and in 2015 stood at US$66.2 billion and US$42.8 billion respectively. While there is a 
strong broad based institutional framework in place, with several dialogues and fora in various 
areas and close interaction at all levels between Governments and business of both countries, we 
would like to highlight some of the specific concerns on U.S. Trade Laws and Policies which impact 
the vast underlying potential of our economic ties.  
4.289.   Legislations like the Buy American provisions and Food safety modernization place undue 
barriers on trade.  
4.290.   We note with serious concern the growing ambit of legislations like the 2016 Omnibus 
Spending Act and proposed bills like keeping American Jobs Act, Americans Jo bs First Act of 2016 
and various other measures of a protectionist nature. The continued restrictions on the H -1B and 
L-1 visas are impacting the Indian services industry adversely and go against the spirit of free 
trade.  
4.291.   The Indian pharmaceutical industr y has been facing difficulties due to the challenging 
regulatory environment both for registration and marketing of their products.   
4.292.   Indian agricultural exports like rice, mango and other fruits continue to face challenges for 
market access due to the com plex SPS requirements and lack of scientific study based maximum 
residual limits imposed on these products. U.S. regulations also adversely impact shrimp exports 
from India to the United States.  
4.293.   Further, the tariff structure of the United States is comple x and has significant peaks on 
products of developing countries export interest.  
4.294.   The Secretariat report mentions the strategy on mitigating the theft of U.S. Trade Secrets 
in 2013 which has led to the Defend Trade Secrets Act in May this year. The act has  introduced an 
amendment to allow civilian enforcement of trade secret protection. The strategy inter -alia also 
proposes the use of trade policy tools including the Special 301 Process to introduce new 
provisions in trade negotiations to make available rem edies similar to those under US laws. We 
believe that such processes including seeking TRIPS Plus obligations, go counter to the TRIPS 
Agreement and undermine the multilateral trading system.   
4.295.   We urge the U.S. to desist from adopting protectionist and tra de distorting regulations. 
Given the depth and diversity in our bilateral relations with the United States we look forward to 
constructively engaging and working with the new administration for harnessing the immense WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  potential of the India -U.S. economic re lationship and promoting trade and investment between 
both countries.  
4.296.   In conclusion, we would like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the leadership 
and contribution of Ambassador Michael Punke to our work in Geneva. He has been a good friend  
and colleague. We would like to take this opportunity to wish him well in all his future endeavours. 
We wish the delegation of the United States a productive and successful TPR.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.297.   Con relación al ejercicio que nos ocupa, observamos con complacen cia que la economía de 
los Estados Unidos muestra crecimiento, a pesar de la desaceleración de la economía que se ha 
enfrentado a nivel mundial. Asimismo, continua siendo sino el principal actor comercial a nivel 
mundial, en el comercio de bienes y servici os, incluyendo sectores productivos muy diversificados.  
4.298.   Deseamos reconocer la activa participación y liderazgo de los Estados Unidos en esta 
Organización, tanto en los foros de negociación como en los Comités Ordinarios, presentando 
propuestas y brindando contribuciones y aportes en los diversos temas. De ahí que esperamos que 
este liderazgo siga siendo ejercido de manera consecuente con los principios del multilateralismo y 
respetando los compromisos asumidos en los diferentes instrumentos que rigen nuestr os flujos 
comerciales.  
4.299.   Para que el sistema tutelado en esta casa siga teniendo la relevancia que merece el 
respecto a las reglas, la certidumbre y el compromiso son elementos imprescindibles y esto cobra 
más importancia con un Miembro como los Estados Unid os a efecto de poder adelantar, entre 
otros, nuestros trabajos en esta casa y claramente de cara a nuestra próxima y futuras 
Conferencias Ministeriales.  
4.300.   En cuanto a la relación bilateral entre Estados Unidos y El Salvador, éstas vienen desde el 
siglo XIX t anto en el ámbito político, comercial y de inversión. Y de ahí El Salvador continuará 
trabajando y fortaleciendo estas relaciones bajo los principios que adelantan los principios que 
promuevan la paz, las democracias y el bienestar común de y entre nuestro s pueblos.  
4.301.   En materia comercial, El Salvador fortaleció, hace 10 años su relación con los Estados 
Unidos con la firma de un Tratado de Libre Comercio, el CAFTA -DR. Desde su concepción original, 
este tratado buscó promover mayor certidumbre tanto en el inte rcambio comercial de bienes como 
servicios como en materia de inversiones.  
4.302.   Estados Unidos es nuestro principal socio comercial tanto para exportaciones como 
importaciones, las cuales reportan un crecimiento del 55% en los últimos 5 años. Las 
exportaciones de El Salvador hacia los Estados Unidos totalizaron 2,563 millones de dólares EE.UU. 
en 2015. En cuanto a las importaciones, éstas alcanzaron los 4,098 millones de dólares EE.UU. en 
2015.  
4.303.   Asimismo, Estados Unidos se constituye como el principal origen de l a inversión extranjera 
directa establecida en nuestro país, el monte de la misma asciende a 2,454 millones de dólares 
EE.UU. al primer trimestre de 2015. Dicha inversión en sectores como el de textiles y confección, 
industria del turismo, telecomunicacione s, entre otros.  
4.304.   También reconocemos las importantes contribuciones brindadas en materia de ayuda para 
el comercio, siendo que El Salvador, luego de ir cumpliendo una serie de indicadores por objetivos 
específicos, en uno de los beneficiarios a través de un  muy importante programa denominado 
Fondos del Milenio, que tienen por objetivo general, entre otros, mejorar el clima de inversiones 
en El Salvador para el crecimiento económico y la reducción de la pobreza a través de 
mejoramiento de su infraestructura.  
4.305.   La delegación de El Salvador formuló algunas preguntas relativas a las cuestiones 
innovadoras en materia de comercio digital en el Acuerdo TPP, según su informe de Gobierno 
sobre las cuales agradecemos de antemano por su respuesta. Asimismo, hemos consulta do sobre 
las razones que motivaron la modificación de la normativa relativa a la "Inspección Obligatoria de 
Peces de Orden Siluriformes y de Productos Derivados de Dichos Peces".  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.306.   Ya para finalizar, deseo destacar la importante contribución del Embajador Pu nke a los 
trabajos que se desarrollan en esta casa. Sus habilidades diplomáticas, franqueza y pragmatismo, 
así como su amistad se extrañarán mucho. Le deseamos todo lo mejor en sus nuevas actividades, 
las cuales estamos seguros las llevará delante de maner a exitosa. Asimismo, felicitar y desearle 
éxitos en este su décimo tercer examen de las políticas comerciales.  
4.307.   Y a todas y todos quisiéramos externar nuestros mejores deseos en estas épocas de fin de 
año y un año 2017 que podamos decir se caracterice de pa z y salud para todos y cada uno de 
ustedes y las poblaciones de los países que representan, así como todo el equipo de trabajo de la 
Secretaría.  
PERÚ   
4.308.   La relación entre el Perú y los EEUU tiene una sólida base en valores y principios 
compartidos, como la v igencia de la democracia y el estado de derecho, la promoción y defensa de 
los derechos humanos, y el libre comercio. Con respecto a este último punto, el Perú coincide con 
los EEUU en el valor del comercio para mantener y crear puestos de trabajo, para el  desarrollo y 
para el crecimiento económico. En este sentido, el presente ejercicio resulta un momento propicio 
para saludar los importantes resultados económicos conseguidos por los EEUU en los últimos años, 
tanto en la creación de puestos de trabajo, com o en el aumento del poder adquisitivo de sus 
connacionales y su crecimiento económico.  
4.309.   De igual manera, resulta apropiado resaltar el importante rol de los EEUU en la OMC y 
otros foros e iniciativas comerciales internacionales que promueven oportunidades de gran interés 
para nuestro país.  
4.310.   Asimismo, en el momento en que se despide la actual administración gubernamental de 
los EEUU, cabe resaltar que en el año 2009, un tanto antes del período examinado, se 
experimentó una depresión aguda en la actividad eco nómica mundial y, por consiguiente, el futuro 
de la economía y el comercio mundiales resultaba incierto. El hecho de que el crecimiento 
económico haya retomado y mantenido su rumbo creciente, demuestra que las decisiones 
tomadas en los EEUU y otros países hicieron frente de manera efectiva a la crisis, ante lo cual 
expresamos nuestro reconocimiento.  
4.311.   A pesar de los resultados mencionados, en el período bajo examen se ha observado en los 
EEUU un incremento en las desigualdades de los ingresos, así como el ma ntenimiento de los 
déficits presupuestario y de balanza comercial, cuyos efectos generan inseguridad en el futuro 
económico y comercial del mundo. Hacemos votos por que los desequilibrios puedan superarse 
durante los próximos años, en favor de la estabilid ad mundial.  
4.312.   LA relación comercial entre el Perú y los EEUU ha venido aprovechando las ventajas que 
brinda nuestro acuerdo de libre comercio, en vigor desde 2009, que han permitido de manera 
decisiva que las cifras de nuestro intercambio comercial en los úl timos 7 años hayan oscilado en 
torno a los quince mil millones de dólares estadounidenses, con un máximo por encima de 
dieciséis mil quinientos millones, en 2013. Si bien se ha observado una ligera disminución de 
nuestro intercambio en los dos últimos años , resaltamos que nuestras exportaciones no 
tradicionales hacia los EEUU continúan creciendo, generando oportunidades para la pequeña y 
mediana industria peruana. En este sentido, transmitimos nuestra mejor disposición para seguir 
trabajando por el desarrol lo de nuestro comercio bilateral.  
4.313.   Asimismo, habida cuenta del período de transición en que se encuentra el gobierno de los 
EEUU, aprovechamos la ocasión para reiterar la importancia para el Perú de dos iniciativas 
plurilaterales que han tenido origen en es ta Organización y en las que compartimos interés con los 
Estados Unidos: el Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) y las negociaciones para lograr un acuerdo 
para eliminar las subvenciones a la pesca. Confiamos en que la nueva administración retomará 
dichos pr oyectos con un interés equivalente al de la administración que concluye.  
4.314.   El Perú ha formulado algunas interrogantes sobre la base del contenido de los informes 
preparados para el presente examen. En este sentido, hemos dirigido nuestras preguntas hacia 
dos cuestiones: por un lado, nos interesa conocer con mayor detalle los nuevos sistemas de 
facilitación del comercio de los EEUU, como la Plataforma Comercial Automatizada (ACE) y el WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  Sistema de Datos sobre Comercio Internacional (ITDS), con miras a mejorar su  aprovechamiento y 
volver más eficientes las gestiones con las autoridades aduaneras de los EEUU. De otro lado, el 
Perú ha presentado interrogantes con respecto al sistema de defensa de la propiedad intelectual 
en los EEUU, tanto sobre el rol de los provee dores de servicios de internet y la sociedad civil, como 
sobre los mecanismos de fiscalización según el formato, electrónico o material, de los bienes 
protegidos por este tipo de derecho.  
4.315.   El Perú agradece a los EEUU ("de antemano" ) por sus respuestas, las  cuales serán 
analizadas con detenimiento. Asimismo,  les deseamos muchos éxitos en su Decimotercer Examen 
de Políticas Comerciales.  
JAPAN  
4.316.   Japan highly appreciates the contribution of the United States to the maintenance and 
strengthening of the multilater al trading system since the establishment of the GATT/WTO. I have 
no doubt that we couldn't have enjoyed the current rule -based and stable free trade system 
without such consistent commitment by the United States.  
4.317.    Furthermore, Japan highly appreciates the  leading role the United States has played in the 
WTO negotiations, particularly as can be seen in the specific outcomes at MC9 in Bali and MC10 in 
Nairobi.  
4.318.   On the other hand, Japan would like to point out that there is a prevailing sense of anxiety 
that the United States' positive tradition of, and commitment to, free and open trade might be 
affected by the somewhat protectionist argument seen during the presidential election campaign.  
4.319.   Trade liberalization and facilitation embodied by multilateral partne rships, including the 
WTO and the TPP, contributes to inclusive trade through more productive and efficient business. 
And at the end of the day this results in job creation and improvement in people's living standards. 
Japan requests that the United States  reconfirm its continuous commitment to free trade.  
4.320.   In general, Japan commends the trade policies of the US. However, certain US regimes 
and practices still remain as concerns for Japan. We believe that further US efforts to solve these 
specific issues wil l bring remarkable development, not only for Japan, but also for world trade as a 
whole. I would like to touch upon some of these issues now.  
4.321.   Japan is concerned that the United States has continued to implement certain kinds of 
Anti-Dumping measures. The a verage duration of these measures is approximately 17 years and 
one has even been maintained since 1978. We urge the immediate elimination of these unfair 
long-term measures.  
4.322.   Taking this opportunity, Japan would like to remind the United States that implem entation 
of the Byrd Amendment should be fully consistent with the WTO agreement.  
4.323.   As we understand, the United States is now considering changing the imposition method of 
the Merchandise Processing Fee from an ad valorem basis to a price range basis. Howev er, Article 
8 of the GATT indicates that all fees in connection with importation or exportation shall be limited 
in amount to the approximate cost of services. Therefore we question the consistency of the 
current ad valorem imposition and the potential pri ce range basis with the GATT obligation  
4.324.   Second, Japan continues to be concerned about the expansion of measures under the Buy -
American provisions in various laws and regulations, including those at the local government level, 
which would have further adve rse impacts on business. Japan urges the United States to ensure 
that the introduction and implementation of any such measures should not become a loophole for 
protectionism, and should be consistent with the objectives of WTO rules, such as those under th e 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).  
4.325.   Fourth, with regard to the exportation of natural gas, based on the Natural Gas Act of 
1938, individual authorization by the DOE is required for the countries without relative provisions 
in FTAs. Japan has been con cerned about this measure, since there is a risk of cancellation of WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  export authorization. This measure hinders not only trade but also further investment in the United 
States.  
4.326.   Although we don't intend to touch upon them in detail, we would like to register  our 
concerns on other specific trade issues such as: the restriction on market entrance based on the 
Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the Amendment of the Internal Revenue Code, and the longer lead 
time required for issuing employment visas. Among others, Jap an is concerned by the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act, which requires countries exporting seafood to the United States to 
demonstrate the equivalent bycatch regulations to the United States', thereby placing additional 
burdens on the private sector. We also would like to share our concerns regarding the Seafood 
Import Monitoring System under the Fishery Conservation and Management Act  
4.327.   Before concluding, I would like to emphasize that we believe the United States should 
never give up its position as the leader  of free and open global trade. Japan looks forward to 
further cooperation with the United States.  
4.328.   Finally, let me express my sincere appreciation to my dear colleague, Michael, for your 
friendship as well as your valuable contributions to the WTO. Althoug h, the WTO has been 
somewhat inactive for years, but I dream, someday, that I may read a book titled "The Revenant: 
A Novel of Revival of the WTO" authored by Michael Punke. Thank you. I wish you all the best in 
your future endeavors and I hope our paths w ill cross again.  
INDONESIA  
4.329.   Indonesia associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by the distinguished 
representative of the Lao PDR. In line with the ASEAN statement, to Indonesia, the U.S. is an 
important economic and trade partner – and has been  so, for many years.  
4.330.   But, on the outset, let me reaffirm this body, that the ties between Indonesia and the U.S. 
go beyond the fact that the U.S. is the largest economy, as well as the largest trading entity in the 
world. Our ties go beyond the fact that I ndonesia is solely a large market. We capitalize on our 
large democracy, as a common denominator to move forward, in various fields of cooperation. 
And, in terms of trade and investment, we have been intensively cooperating through our Trade 
and Investment  Framework since twenty years ago.  
4.331.   The people of the U.S. and Indonesia have benefitted much from our intense, long, and 
definitely fruitful bilateral trade relations. Indonesian exports to the U.S. are statistically 
dominated by agricultural products, suc h as: rubber, palm oil, and coconut (copra), as well as fish 
products. Meanwhile, the U.S.' exports to Indonesia are dominated by soya beans, wheat, cotton, 
and electronic appliances.  
4.332.   Although the value of total non -oil and non -gas trade between our two co untries showed a 
reduction by 3.64% per annum, during the years between and including 2011 up to 2015, 
Indonesia's export of non -oil and non -gas products to the U.S. remains strong – averaging 0.35% 
yearly growth.  
4.333.   Export trend in 2016 – when compared to la st year – demonstrated an improvement; 
whereby Indonesian non -oil and non -gas export to the U.S. exhibited a rise in 0.46%, for the 
months of January to October 2016, vis -a-vis the months of January to October in 2015. 
Moreover, between and including 2011 and 2015, Indonesian trade balance with the U.S., on 
non-oil and non -gas products experienced a 19.64% annual increase.  
4.334.   During the same period, the U.S. maintained its strong position as one of Indonesia's most 
important source for non -oil consumer product s. 
4.335.   In 2015 alone, total non -oil and non -gas trade between Indonesia and the U.S. reached 
US$22.86 billion. And in that same 2015 year, the U.S. was our largest export destination.   
4.336.   The U.S. is also an important source of foreign direct investment. Total i nvestment in 
Indonesia, by entities from the U.S., in 2015 alone, reached US$893.2 million; making the U.S. as 
the 9th largest foreign investor in Indonesia – with investment allocated to over 261 projects.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.337.   We believe that investment plays an important rol e in raising trade volumes, between the 
U.S. and Indonesia. However, we also highlight the important roles that trade and investment play 
in determining Indonesia's economic growth and development.  
4.338.   In this context, Indonesia wishes to reiterate the importa nce to seriously consider the 
various development aspects, pertaining to the host country's investment policies. Such 
consideration will ensure mutual benefits, not only amongst business practitioners in both 
countries, but will bring benefits also to the people of both countries.  
4.339.   Besides the strong and positive bilateral economic ties achieved during the last decade, we 
observe that there are still some unnecessary barriers to trade imposed by the U.S. These barriers 
have prevented trade relations between our two countries from reaching its optimum outcomes. 
Therefore, we hope that, through this Trade Policy Review, those issues can be addressed. We 
believe there are clear solutions that can be adopted for the mutual benefit of both Indonesia and 
the U.S.  
4.340.   Finally, I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing, once again, my profound 
appreciation to the U.S. delegation for its hard work. Indonesia wishes the U.S. every success in 
its thirteenth Trade Policy Review.  
4.341.   I would also express my special gratitu de to Michael for his hard work during his service 
with the U.S. Mission to the WTO. To Indonesia, Michael Punke will remain as our great colleague 
and good friend. And I wish him a successful career, live, and good health. I await your next book 
Michael t hat, I believe, will be another best seller.  
GUATEMALA  
4.342.   Resaltamos la sólida labor de investigación y el análisis realizado por la Secretaría de la 
OMC, reflejados en el informe hoy discutido. Su contenido nos proporciona una visión de conjunto 
muy completa  y detallada, acerca de la situación macroeconómica y de las políticas comerciales 
implementadas por Estados Unidos en los últimos dos años. Quisiéramos también extender 
nuestro más sincero agradecimiento al Embajador de Suecia, Sr. Daniel Blockert, por la  
presentación y el análisis tan objetivo y pormenorizado que ha tenido a bien compartir con 
nosotros el día de hoy, en su calidad de ponente.  
4.343.   Aprovechamos la ocasión para destacar la importancia que reviste para Guatemala su 
relación con Estados Unidos en los diferentes ámbitos de nuestra política exterior. Nuestra relación 
se ha caracterizado siempre por fuertes lazos de amistad y cooperación en áreas tales como 
asuntos políticos, comerciales y de seguridad entre otros.   
4.344.   En términos comerciales, Estados U nidos es nuestro principal socio comercial. De acuerdo 
con cifras de 2015, alrededor del 35% de las exportaciones guatemaltecas tuvieron como destino 
el mercado estadounidense y abarcaron entre otros, artículos de vestuario, café, bananos, una 
gran diversi dad de frutas y vegetales, así como metales preciosos y semipreciosos.  
4.345.   En sentido inverso, más del 36% de las importaciones guatemaltecas provinieron de 
Estados Unidos, durante el mismo período. Éstas fueron principalmente productos manufacturados 
tales c omo derivados de petróleo, máquinas y aparatos mecánicos, vehículos y material de 
transporte, así como productos plásticos, aparatos transmisores y receptores.  
4.346.   Nuestra relación comercial con Estados Unidos se basa en una sólida relación, consolidada 
desde la década de 1980, gracias a la implementación de la Iniciativa de la Cuenca del Caribe y 
posteriormente a través del Tratado de Libre Comercio Centroamérica -Estados Unidos -República 
Dominicana (CAFTA -RD). En julio de 2016, se cumplieron diez años de la en trada en vigencia del 
CAFTA -RD para Guatemala. Desde entonces, el flujo comercial con Estados Unidos ha 
incrementado significativamente. En 2006, la suma anual de nuestras importaciones y 
exportaciones totalizó 6,613 millones de dólares EE.UU., mientras qu e en 2015 alcanzó los 10,191 
millones de dólares EE.UU. (es decir un aumento de aproximadamente 35%, en un período de 
9 años).  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.347.   El CAFTA -RD ha contribuido a un importante proceso de liberalización del comercio de 
bienes y servicios. A 10 años de la entrada  en vigencia el tratado, el 90% del total de líneas 
arancelarias se encuentra en libre comercio y el 10% restante forma parte de un programa 
adicional de desgravación arancelaria que concluirá en los próximos diez años. El Acuerdo también 
ha sido una impor tante plataforma para fomentar la inversión entre nuestros países, consolidar los 
encadenamientos productivos, reducir los costos de transacción y ampliar la gama de productos 
disponibles para los consumidores.  
4.348.   En relación con el Informe de Políticas Comer ciales que hoy nos concierne, nos complace 
observar la continuidad en el crecimiento económico de Estados Unidos, luego la recesión 
atravesada en el período 2007 -2009, así como la implementación de importantes medidas para 
facilitar el comercio, tales como  la aplicación del Sistema de Datos de Comercio Internacional, que 
fungirá como ventanilla única a partir del año próximo, y el fortalecimiento de la Plataforma 
Comercial Automatizada (ACE). Como retos a futuro, observamos la necesidad de continuar los 
esfuerzos por controlar el déficit de la cuenta corriente y la implementación de mecanismos para 
contener el déficit fiscal.  
4.349.   Reconocemos los esfuerzos y logros importantes alcanzados por Estados Unidos durante el 
período estudiado. Agradecemos también las re spuestas a las preguntas planteadas por 
Guatemala en el marco de este examen.  
4.350.   Esperamos continuar fortaleciendo nuestros importantes vínculos comerciales y deseamos 
a la delegación que representa hoy a Estados Unidos, una exitosa conclusión de su examen d e 
políticas comerciales.  
BÉNIN  AU NOM  DU GROUPE  DES  PMA 
4.351.   Les États -Unis sont une économie majeure dont le cadre juridique et institutionnel ne 
manque pas d'interagir sur l'organisation des activités économiques et commerciales aux niveaux 
régional et intern ational. Ceci est vrai également pour les travaux de négociations commerciales 
multilatérales du Cycle de Doha.  
4.352.   C'est pourquoi, à l'occasion de ce treizième examen des politiques commerciales des 
États-Unis d'Amérique, le Groupe des PMA voudrait souligner  l'importance des arrangements 
commerciaux, tels que la Loi sur la Croissance et les Opportunités de Développement en Afrique 
(AGOA), HOPE et HELPE, qui fournissent un accès préférentiel aux exportations en provenance des 
PMA sur le marché américain.  
4.353.   Le Groupe des PMA se réjouit de la prorogation du Système Généralisé des Préférences des 
États-Unis jusqu'au 31 décembre 2017. Il voudrait, par la même occasion, exhorter les États -Unis 
à assurer une plus grande sécurité en termes d'accès au marché américain p our les exportations 
des PMA au travers de programmes d'Accès aux Marchés en Franchise de Droits et Sans 
Contingent, et en termes de réduction des contraintes liées à la durée des préférences et à leur 
portée.  
4.354.   Le Groupe des PMA voudrait souligner égalemen t que les Règles d'Origine dans le cadre du 
Système généralisé de préférences américain sont restées inchangées depuis le dernier examen 
des politiques commerciales, les PMA restant, par voie de conséquence, confrontés à des difficultés 
pour atteindre le s euil élevé des 35% vu leur faible capacité de production et leurs marchés 
restreints. A cet égard, le Groupe voudrait savoir quand les États -Unis pensent pouvoir mettre en 
œuvre la Décision de Nairobi sur les Règles d'origines Préférentielles en faveur des  PMA. Se pose la 
question de la méthode de calcul des Règles d'Origine basée sur la valorisation des matières 
non-originaires lors de l'estimation de la transformation substantielle des produits entrant sur le 
sol américain en provenance des PMA.  
4.355.   Le Group e des PMA reconnaît la valeur des engagements pris par les États -Unis à Nairobi 
sur la question du coton, en ce qui concerne l'Accès aux Marchés en Franchise de Droit et Sans 
Contingent, les subventions à l'exportation et la dimension de développement du C oton. Le Groupe 
souhaite obtenir de la part des États -Unis des informations sur les dispositions qu'ils envisagent de 
prendre, pour traiter les soutiens internes qu'ils accordent au coton et qui ont des effets de 
distorsion du commerce international de ce produit.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.356.   S'agissant de la Dérogation Services, le Groupe des PMA voudrait savoir comment les 
États-Unis pensent -ils accompagner les efforts des fournisseurs de services des PMA, afin de leur 
permettre de bénéficier pleinement des notifications de traiteme nt préférentiel américaines. De 
plus, le Groupe invite les États -Unis à compléter leurs notifications en allant dans le sens de la 
suppression des restrictions administratives, la réduction des frais relatifs aux demandes de visa, 
de permis de travail, d'a utorisation et de permis de séjour pour les PMA. Une autre préoccupation 
que les PMA voudraient faire connaître est celle relative aux obstacles qui freinent l'accès aux 
marchés des fournisseurs de services contractuels qualifiés des PMA et aux professionn els 
indépendants répondant aux demandes des consommateurs américains.  
4.357.   Le Groupe des PMA remercie les États -Unis pour les réponses fournies, conformément au 
mécanisme d'examen des politiques commerciales. Le Groupe se réjouit de la collaboration 
approfondi e entre les États -Unis et les PMA portant sur les priorités des PMA au sein de l'OMC. Il 
les exhorte à poursuivre dans ce sens.  
4.358.   Le Groupe voudrait saisir la présente occasion pour souligner l'importance de la 
contribution que l'Ambassadeur Michael Punke, a ppuyé par leReprésentant Permanent Adjoint, 
Monsieur Christopher Wilson et ses collègues, a apportée à nos travaux durant son mandat à 
Genève. Le Groupe lui souhaite plein succès dans la suite de sa carrière.  
TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.359.   Trinidad and Tobago and the  United States enjoy an amicable relationship based on 
common values held sacrosanct by both countries. One such value is the paramountcy of the 
tenets of democracy. It is in this context that my delegation extends congratulations to the United 
States of A merica on another manifestation of that democratic tradition through its recently 
concluded Presidential Election. Trinidad and Tobago looks forward to building on the excellent ties 
existing between the two nations, benefitting from symbiotic economic dev elopment and to 
fostering even greater engagement on matters of trade and investment.  
4.360.   Trinidad and Tobago is heartened by the continued growth of the U.S. economy, the single 
largest in the world, particularly in the context of the U.S. being Trinidad and Tobago's largest 
trading partner. Over the past five years, Trinidad and Tobago has engaged in a robust trade with 
the U.S. Throughout the period 2012 to June 2016, Trinidad and Tobago has enjoyed a favourable 
balance of trade with the U.S., with a volume of TT$29.4 billion in 2013.  
4.361.   The trade surplus that Trinidad and Tobago enjoys with the U.S. is primarily due to 
petrochemical exports to that country. Over recent years, due to the diversification of Trinidad and 
Tobago's petrochemical export portfolio an d shortfalls in natural gas production in Trinidad and 
Tobago, the value of the trade surplus has declined. We look forward however, to the continuation 
and the expansion of this mutually beneficial commercial relationship.  
4.362.   As the WTO has embarked on the final countdown for entry into force of the Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the delegation of Trinidad and Tobago has noted the efforts of the 
United States in relation to support for the Agreement. We welcome continued participation by the 
U.S. in con tributing to the effective implementation of the TFA in developing countries. The 
benefits of the TFA will only be realized when its undergirding motivation finds expression in 
concrete results. Trinidad and Tobago is confident that the United States will continue to play a 
vital role in support of developing countries in the sphere of trade related activities.  
4.363.   The reports prepared for this trade policy review highlight the programmes known 
collectively as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), through which  the U.S. grants tariff 
preferences to countries in the Caribbean and Central America. The CBI was initially envisioned to 
facilitate the economic development and export diversification of the Caribbean Basin economies 
and the programmes are regarded by th e U.S. as vital elements in its economic relations with its 
neighbours in the Caribbean and Central America.  
4.364.   The delegation of Trinidad and Tobago has noted the Eleventh Report to Congress on the 
Operation of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBER A), which was prepared by the 
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on 30 December 2015. Notwithstanding 
the initial aims of the CBI, it is clear that the CBI also provides important benefits to the United WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  States as U.S. export growth to the region has been a corollary benefit. U.S. exports to the CBI 
beneficiary countries reached US$12.8 billion in 2014. The value of U.S. exports to CBERA 
beneficiary countries grew 2.5% in 2014, exceeding the growth rate for total global U.S. exports, 
which grew by 2.1%.  
4.365.   Trinidad and Tobago has been identified as the leading source of U.S. imports entering 
under CBI tariff preferences since 2005. Conversely, Trinidad and Tobago represented the second 
largest market for U.S. exports to the CBI region in 201 4. My delegation looks forward to building 
on this and similar initiatives that aim to drive the partnership in new and exciting directions.  
4.366.   We have submitted a number of written questions to the delegation of the United States of 
America and express our g ratitude for the responses provided.  
4.367.   Trinidad and Tobago is committed to further strengthening our excellent relationship with 
the United States of America and we wish that country every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.368.   Costa Rica and the Uni ted States are bound by history, politics, culture and even sports. 
For more than 160 years we have been strategic partners and have lived through historical events 
that have strengthened our relationship, now more than ever.  
4.369.   From being football rivals in  our region to partners into the combat against climate change 
and fighting illegal trade, to promoting bilateral tourism, we cooperate and work together in many 
areas.  
4.370.   More than 125,000 Costa Rican currently live and work in the United States, their home 
away from home. The same happens for almost 15,000 United States citizens that have chosen 
the warm sandy beaches of Costa Rica as their heaven.  
4.371.   In 2015, more than 1 million U.S. tourists visited Costa Rica and we became part of the 
top ten leisure destin ations for U.S. citizens.  
4.372.   Together we have enriched our cultures and lives, growing and supporting each other's 
ventures.  
4.373.   Since its last trade policy review, the U.S. has been able to keep a sustained real GDP 
growth rate and has achieved the reduction of  the unemployment rate below 5%. The Obama 
Administration has also taken important steps towards eliminating fossil fuel subsidies. There is a 
remarkable achievement given the size of its economy but attention must be paid to the effect of 
international oi l prices.  
4.374.   In its Government report, the U.S. Trade Policy Agenda highlights the importance given to 
sustainable development and its reflection of the new global trends towards cleaner energies and 
technologies. We highly encourage the efforts taken on thi s direction and look forward to the 
continuation of these actions by the new Administration.  
4.375.   As expressed in the Secretariat report for this TPR, the U.S. continues to be an active 
Member in negotiations within the multilateral trading system. An example o f this engagement and 
of its benefits is the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of which my country is also a 
member. Up to its entry into force, the ITA secured a new variety of advanced and high technology 
foreign investment to settle in Costa Rica. This ITA initially originated from the United States and 
the exchange of capital and knowledge with the U.S. has benefited both economies and 
particularly opened the doors to further integrate Costa Rica with the world through global value 
chains and to mo ve towards a more services and knowledge -based economy.  
4.376.   As a result of this partnership, during the last decade, foreign direct investment in Costa 
Rica has mainly originated from the United States representing more than half of the total FDI or 
52.7% at 2 015. WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.377.   It is also worth mentioning that the United States is Costa Rica's main commercial partner. 
Between the years 2005 and 2015, our bilateral trade grew at an annual average of 3.7%. While in 
2005, bilateral trade added over US$7 billion, in 2015, the am ount has reached US$10.1 billion.  
4.378.   The importance for Costa Rica of this positive commercial exchange is reflected in our 
integration into five major global value chains, which was boosted by the increase of FDI in areas 
such as medical devices, aeronautics  and digital technologies.  
4.379.   On a bilateral level, Costa Rica and the United States, along with the Central American 
countries and the Dominican Republic, signed a Free Trade Agreement commonly referred to as 
CAFTA -DR, which entered into force for Costa Ric a in 2009. CAFTA -DR is an ambitious and modern 
agreement that Costa Rica has used as a benchmark for subsequent negotiations. It has been a 
valuable framework for mutual collaboration and echoes our share respect to the rules -based 
trading system and visio n of trade and an engine for development and creator of opportunities.  
4.380.   This progressive approach has led us to negotiate an FTA and also work jointly in recent 
plurilateral negotiations. We look forward to continue working with the same ideals of 
transpare ncy, inclusiveness and viewing trade as an engine of growth that has translated into 
positive outcomes for so many Costa Ricans and U.S. citizens.  
4.381.   As we approach the end of this working year and we welcome the year that will host MC11, 
I wish to recognize the work and stewardship of Ambassador Michael Punke. From Deputy USTR to 
successful novelist, Michael has been able to perform all these wide -ranging tasks with leadership 
and grace, handling the art of negotiation and diplomacy while being loyal to his v alues with 
chivalry and pragmatism. Michael, on behalf of my delegation and mine, I wish you a continued 
path of success in your future endeavours, it has been an honour to work by your side for the past 
three years.  
4.382.   Costa Rica submitted questions for this  review and we thank the United States for the 
delivered responses. We have already delivered them to San José and, in case further comments 
are presented, we will proceed according to the TPR mechanism.  
TURKEY  
4.383.   In many respects the U.S. is the largest econ omy in the world. Beyond this, it is also one 
of the most open, liberal and transparent economies. Particularly due to these characteristics, any 
change and development in the U.S. trade policies directly influences the global economy. 
Therefore, the U.S. has to be mindful of the impact of its policies on the global economy and, as a 
WTO Member, to seek the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system.  
4.384.   Turkey notes with satisfaction the positive developments registered in the U.S. Economy 
after the  financial crisis.  
4.385.   As pointed out in the Secretariat report, the U.S. economic performance has remained on a 
moderate growth trajectory and economic fundamentals continued to strengthen in general during 
the period under review. Despite the positive develo pments, challenges such as slowdown of 
productivity growth in most industries and rising income inequality across socio -economic groups 
remain. In this regard, faster productivity growth, supported by well -designed investments in 
innovation, infrastructure , skills and inclusiveness would help to address such challenges.  
4.386.   With regard to trade and investment regime, the U.S. continues to be one of the most 
liberal countries and the U.S. economy highly benefits from its free market and business -friendly 
enviro nment. The Secretariat report indicates that there have been no major changes in the 
general institutional and legal framework affecting trade policy formulation and implementation in 
the U.S. since its last review in 2014. Most MFN rates are identical to their bound levels and have 
remained virtually unchanged for 10 years or more.  
4.387.   In terms of trade policy regime of the U.S., Turkey submitted a number of written 
questions in advance, seeking further detail and clarification on policy direction and approac h. 
These questions, in general, relate to United States' trade and investment regime, trade policies WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  and practices by measure, intellectual property rights and services sector. I am grateful to the 
U.S. for their responses. We will examine them carefully.  
4.388.   On the bilateral front, the U.S. is an important trade partner of Turkey. Our bilateral 
economic and commercial relations are evolving positively thanks to the Framework for Strategic 
Economic and Commercial Cooperation (FSECC) established in 2010 and the  strong ties between 
business circles of the two countries. In 2011, mostly in favor of the U.S., Turkey and U.S. 
maintained a trade volume around US$21 billion. Our bilateral trade volume decreased to 
US$7.5  billion in 2015. However, it is clear that thes e figures remain modest compared to the 
untapped potential of our economies. Therefore, we believe that the current level of bilateral 
relations in trade and investment can still be deepened and, to this end, we stand ready to take 
further steps.  
4.389.   Moreover,  U.S. companies are among the major investors in Turkey in various sectors. 
Approximately 1,600 U.S. companies have invested, or do business, in Turkey. These companies 
employ more than 60,000 people. In addition, Turkey is a regional hub for U.S. business es. 
Indeed, many American companies manage their operations in more than 125 countries (across 
the South -eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and the Caucasus) from their 
offices in Turkey.  
4.390.   Finally, I would like to underline that Turkey,  which has a customs union with the 
European Union, is closely following the TTIP negotiations between the U.S. and the EU and looks 
forward to intensify its cooperation with both parties in order to adequately assess the special 
situation of the Customs U nion vis -à-vis the TTIP.  
4.391.   Before concluding, I commend U.S. delegation's active contributions to, and orientation in 
the WTO negotiations under the leadership of Ambassador Punke. On this occasion, I would like to 
express my farewell to Ambassador Punke and  wish him the best in his future endeavour.  
PARAGUAY  
4.392.   Los números incluidos en el informe de la Secretaría reafirman el peso de los 
Estados  Unidos y su papel como uno de los motores de la economía mundial. La reducción de la 
tasa del desempleo y el crecimie nto sostenido del consumo privado, indican que se ha superado 
positivamente la crisis que caracterizó el inicio de la administración del Presidente Obama.  
4.393.   Estos avances sentaran bases para hacer frente a los desafíos relativos a la mejora de la 
infraestruc tura y la disminución de las desigualdades en la distribución de ingresos para la próxima 
administración.  
4.394.   Estados Unidos de América mantiene la posición de mayor importador y segundo mayor 
exportador, por lo que sus acciones tienen importante efecto a la d irección del comercio mundial. 
Esta influencia se refuerza por su posición de principal receptor de inversiones e importante 
inversor.  
4.395.   En ese sentido, confiamos que los Estados Unidos de América mantendrá el liderazgo que 
le corresponde dado su peso económ ico y la importancia de su mercado. Este liderazgo fue 
fundamental en las pasadas reuniones ministeriales de la Organización Mundial del Comercio para 
promover el acuerdo de facilitación del Comercio y la eliminación de los subsidios a las 
exportaciones. E stados Unidos también puede impulsar la efectiva implementación de estos 
resultados. Confiamos que Estados Unidos contribuirá positivamente para la obtención de 
resultados en la próxima ministerial en Buenos Aires, resultados que promuevan el intercambio 
comercial con reglas que reduzcan la reducción de restricciones y distorsiones.  
4.396.   La membresía de esta organización está expectante del futuro de las políticas comerciales 
de los Estados Unidos lo cual queda reflejado en las más de 1600 preguntas que han sido  
presentadas. Mi país agradece las respuestas a nuestras consultas la cual se ha centrado en la 
facilitación de negocios en particular en el área de servicios.  
4.397.   Vale destacar que nuestra delegación presta especial atención al desenvolvimiento de sus 
polític as en materia agrícola, en particular los trabajos para la próxima revisión de la ley agrícola, WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  así como la implementación de la Ley de Modernización de las Normas sobre Inocuidad de los 
Alimentos y sus potenciales efectos en el comercio internacional.  
4.398.   Siempre en la agricultura, notamos con interés que el uso de las medidas de apoyo de 
compartimiento ámbar se ha estancado y prestaremos mayor atención al incremento de las 
ayudas en compartimiento verde. Igualmente, hacemos seguimiento al uso decreciente aunq ue 
constante de las salvaguardias especiales que afectaron un reducido número de líneas arancelarias 
de productos agrícolas. Sin embargo, resaltamos la necesidad de mantener las notificaciones 
actualizadas para seguir promoviendo los objetivos de predictib ilidad.  
4.399.   Por último, debo destacar la excelente relación bilateral que tiene mi país con Los Estados 
Unidos de América, en lo económico, político, social y cultural. En el 2015, lastimosamente, los 
flujos de comercio en ambas direcciones han decrecido en un  18%. Nuestro país es deficitario en 
este comercio, si bien este déficit se redujo en el 2015. Estados Unidos se mantiene como 
4 principal proveedor de bienes al Paraguay mayormente bienes de capital y de tecnología.  
4.400.   Sin embargo, Estados Unidos es principa lmente importante para el Paraguay por su papel 
de mayor inversor extranjero directo en nuestra economía, con inversiones destinadas al sector 
servicios principalmente para el transporte logístico y la industria. Sectores estos que promueven 
la trasformaci ón productiva de nuestro país y facilitan nuestra inserción en el comercio 
internacional, a pesar de nuestra situación de país sin litoral marítimo.  
4.401.   Para concluir, vale la pena destacar que Paraguay y los Estados Unidos de América 
comparten la misma visión  sobre la necesidad de fortalecer el sistema multilateral comercio 
basado en reglas, con un sistema que promueva los intercambios comerciales y que reduzcan las 
restricciones y distorsiones. Confiamos que el Gobierno de los Estados Unidos continuará 
promov iendo la mejora de las reglas multilaterales del Comercio en la próxima ministerial.   
4.402.   Reitero mis felicitaciones a quienes tienen a su cargo la conducción de este Examen y a los 
delegados de la Misión Permanente de Los Estados Unidos de América en Ginebra , por su siempre 
activa participación en los diferentes temas que tratamos en esta casa.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.403.   As the world's largest, most complex and technically advanced economy, the United States 
is a key economic partner for New Zealand as it is for many of us.  As our third largest trading 
partner, the United States is an important source of innovation, research and investment. We 
value our excellent bilateral relationship which is supported by cooperation between businesses 
through trade in goods and services, investment, education and tourism.  
4.404.   The United States' ongoing contribution to the WTO, including the monitoring and 
enforcing of commitments to their bilateral, plurilateral and regional trade agreements, is also 
valued by New Zealand. As a country that fi rmly supports the multilateral trading system and the 
benefits it brings, New Zealand appreciates the role the US has played. The special responsibility 
major players have in supporting the multilateral trading system is something New Zealand wishes 
to rem ind the United States of during this review process.  
4.405.   In this regard, New Zealand welcomes the United States' confirmation that it will 
implement the Nairobi WTO MC10 Export Competition Decision to eliminate export subsidies by 
amending its WTO schedule. T his is a particularly welcome example of the United States' 
contribution to trade liberalization and the strengthening of the multilateral trading system. It will 
come as no surprise to the U.S. or others though to hear our expectation that the U.S. extend s 
this contribution to other areas. For example, while within the current WTO rules, it is a source of 
concern that the U.S. is amongst a handful of Members that continues to use the agricultural 
safeguard. Most recently, in late 2015, butter tariffs were increase by a third at very short notice, 
without consultation and in response to what was a short term increase in imports. While this is of 
concern for obvious commercial reasons we raise it here given its broader implications for the 
multilateral tradin g system and especially as we look to the elimination of the SSG at MC11.  
4.406.   In terms of future reforms, New Zealand nonetheless values its cooperation with the 
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  of fisheries and fossil fuels. The U.S. has consistently been amongst the most active proponents 
for effective WTO prohibitions of harmful fisheries subsidies, both multilaterally and more recently 
in a plurilateral setting and we look forward to seeing th ese two tracks conclude successfully at 
MC11 following the failure of MC10 in this respect. We also acknowledge the United States' leading 
example as one of the first G20 economies to under G20 peer review of its fossil fuel subsidies, 
and encourage the go vernment to reform the 16 inefficient policies identified by the G20 review.  
4.407.   New Zealand takes note of the improvements in recent years to its agricultural policy, and 
hopes that these reforms will continue in such a way that minimizes potential trade dist ortions. 
New Zealand remains concerned, however, that the move to risk management policies with 
enhanced safety nets could see this progress reversed in a situation of significantly lower world 
prices. As we look ahead to the development of a new Farm Bill , New Zealand urges the United 
States to consider further reforms to mitigate this possibility.   
4.408.   We also note with some concern that the U.S. has not submitted an agriculture domestic 
support notification since 2013. While we recognize that notifying even  the smallest of 
programmes can present complexities, this backlog means that the current U.S. Farm Bill has not 
been subject to review within the WTO Committee on Agriculture. As a major agriculture producer, 
exporter and subsidizer this represents a sign ificant gap and we would welcome an indication from 
the U.S. of when we should expect to see it come up -to-date in its DS1 notifications.  
4.409.   On the issue of notifications more generally, New Zealand also encourages the United 
States to continue considering wa ys to bring a greater level of transparency to the large number of 
sub-federal measures and regulations that impact on international trade.   
4.410.   In closing, I would like to emphasize the value we place in the close working relationship 
New Zealand enjoys with  the United States. Thank you for the opportunity to contribute to this 
important trade policy review. We look forward to hearing the United States' responses to 
questions and comments raised during this review.  
LAO PEOPLE'S  DEMOCRATIC  REPUBLIC  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.411.   The United States (U.S.) has contributed much to ASEAN's economic development, as one 
of ASEAN's top trading partners and an important source of foreign direct investment (FDI). In 
2014, bilateral trade between ASEAN and the U.S. amounted to over U S$212 billion, making the 
U.S. the region's fourth largest trading partner. The U.S. was ASEAN's third -largest investor in 
2014 as well, contributing over US$13 billion in FDI flows.  
4.412.   ASEAN values the U.S.' continued commitment to realize the opportunities created by our 
joint initiatives to promote trade and commercial ties, particularly the ASEAN -U.S. Trade and 
Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA)and the Expanded Economic Engagement (E3) Initiatives 
Work Plan.  
4.413.   With greater coordination, we are confident that we will meet the objectives of these 
initiatives, including the two E3 initiatives that were endorsed by our Ministers in August 2016, 
namely the ASEAN -U.S. Cooperation in Fostering Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices and 
the ASEAN -U.S. Coopera tion in Fostering International Investment.  
4.414.   We also have strategic mandates from our Leaders, who have met in February and 
September 2016 for the Special Summit and the 4th ASEAN -US Summit respectively, to further 
our cooperation in promoting digital econo my, innovation and entrepreneurship towards future 
growth. We are encouraged by the intensity of our collaboration to fulfill these mandates, for 
example by promoting entrepreneurship among young professionals through the ASEAN -U.S. 
Internship Programme, a nd assisting the private sector in ASEAN through the ASEAN -U.S. Connect 
Initiative.  
4.415.   A number of ASEAN members have benefitted from the U.S. Generalized System of 
Preferences (GSP) programme which was reauthorized to run until 31 December 2017. We hope 
that the U.S. Administration would favorably consider extending duty -free benefits on travel goods 
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  4.416.   2017 marks the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN -U.S. dialogue relations, and we look forward to 
renewing our s trong partnership and working toward new milestones for cooperation under the 
new U.S. Administration.  
4.417.   Some of us in the ASEAN have submitted written questions to the United States and we 
thank the United States in advance for its written responses. We al so express our thanks to 
Ambassador Michael Punke and his delegation from Washington and in Geneva for their 
participation in today's review and their constructive engagement with the ASEAN delegations here 
in Geneva.  
LAO PEOPLE'S  DEMOCRATIC  REPUBLIC  
4.418.   Now I  am delivering on behalf of my country.  
4.419.   As a least -developed country, Lao PDR welcomes and appreciates efforts towards a more 
inclusive, transparent and fair global trading system. We are thankful for this opportunity to get 
more clarity on U.S. trade poli cy and for responses to the written questions.  
4.420.   Lao PDR considers the United States to be an important trading partner, with full potential 
of trade cooperation yet to be realized. In 2015, total merchandise trade between our two 
countries amounted to appro ximately US$72.2 million, with a positive trade balance of about 
US$23 million for Lao PDR. The annual growth in value of Lao exports to the U.S. stood at 1.4% 
between 2011 and 2015, whilst in imports it was at -3% in the same period. Overall, total trade in 
goods has increased by a staggering 405% over the last ten years. Unfortunately, we are not yet 
eligible for the U.S. GSP scheme, which would be useful tool for us to increase cooperation with 
the U.S. We are dedicated to making sure that Lao PDR is a m arket-oriented and WTO -compliant 
economy and hope that our efforts will be recognized and that we will be able to become a 
beneficiary of these unilateral preferences.  
4.421.   Data is unfortunately not available for trade in services; however we believe there is also a 
potential to expand our cooperation in this area, not least following the provision of U.S. services 
preferences for LDCs in September last year. We are aware that a lot of works still remains to be 
done on raising awareness and building capacities of our service suppliers, to make sure they are 
able to utilize such preferences.  
4.422.   Finally, we hope that our fruitful trade and economic relationship with the United States of 
America will grow further and stronger.  
ECUADOR  
4.423.   Participamos con interés en este  Examen de Políticas Comerciales, toda vez que los 
Estados Unidos es el mayor importador mundial y el segundo mayor exportador mundial de bienes 
y servicios, calidad que la ha mantenido pese a que las importaciones como las exportaciones de 
mercancías refl ejaron una contracción en 2015 debido, en el caso de las importaciones, a la 
disminución de los precios del petróleo y el aumento de la producción nacional de petróleo crudo y 
gas natural; y, en cuanto se refiere a las exportaciones, la debilidad de la dem anda mundial y el 
fortalecimiento del dólar.   
4.424.   Tomamos nota del informe de la Secretaría cuando se manifiesta que la economía de los 
Estados Unidos, que es la mayor del mundo, siguió creciendo en el período objeto de examen al 
haber aumentado el PIB real a  una tasa anual del 2,4% en 2014 y del 2,6% en el 2015, para 
ubicarse en el 1% en el primer semestre de 2016.  
4.425.   Mi delegación saluda el hecho que, conforme datos proporcionados en el informe de la 
Secretaría, la tasa de desempleo ha continuado reduciéndose y  se ubica en el 5% actualmente, 
cuando en el año 2009 era del 10%. Todo esto conforme el Programa de Política Comercial de 
2016, cuyo objetivo es promover el crecimiento y el fomento de empleos bien remunerados.  
4.426.   También un tema a ser destacado es que el ré gimen de inversión extranjera, de manera 
general, continúa siendo abierto aunque pueden aplicarse ciertas restricciones por medidas de WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  seguridad nacional, en donde el programa SelectUSA sigue siendo el principal instrumento del 
Gobierno Federal para promov er la entrada de inversiones en el país.  
4.427.   Sin embargo, una de las preocupaciones que surgen de la lectura y análisis del documento 
presentado por la Secretaría se refiere a la disminución de la inversión durante el cuarto trimestre 
de 2015 y los dos primer os trimestres de 2016 debido al ajuste de los volúmenes, a la caída de la 
inversión en equipo e infraestructuras y las consecuencias negativas por la disminución de los 
precios del petróleo crudo en la inversión del sector energético.  
4.428.   Otra de las preocupa ciones que merece atención es que Estados Unidos sigue recurriendo 
con frecuencia a los derechos antidumping y derechos compensatorios, pues en el período de 
examen, el número de investigaciones iniciadas ascendió a 85 sobre derechos antidumping, 
existiend o a junio de 2016, 269 órdenes de imposición. En cuanto se refiere a derechos 
compensatorios, las investigaciones iniciadas eran 60, existiendo asimismo a junio de 2016, 
69 órdenes de imposición de derechos compensatorios en vigor.  
4.429.   En el informe de la Secr etaría se hace referencia a que la reforma del sistema de control 
de las exportaciones de los Estados Unidos sigue en curso a través de la Iniciativa de Reforma del 
Sistema de las Exportaciones, denominada Iniciativa ECR que persigue lograr una mejor 
asign ación de los recursos para mejorar los controles que se aplican a los productos más sensibles, 
busca tener como base una sola lista de control unificada, un solo organismo de concesión de 
licencias, una plataforma integrada de tecnología de la información para la concesión de licencias y 
un único centro de coordinación ejecutiva. Agradeceríamos tener mayor información sobre esta 
reforma.  
4.430.   Tomamos igualmente nota del informe presentado por la Secretaría que señala que el 
sector de los servicios es de importa ncia extrema en la economía de los Estados Unidos. Para 
señalar un ejemplo, el sector de los servicios financieros se ha recuperado luego de la crisis 
financiera por lo que la mayoría de las instituciones financieras han reembolsado el dinero recibido 
del programa de Ayuda para Activos Problemáticos del Gobierno durante la crisis. De igual forma, 
el comercio de servicios de telecomunicaciones ha registrado superávit.  
4.431.   Para concluir, deseamos anticipar nuestro agradecimiento a la delegación de los Estados 
Unidos por sus respuestas a las preguntas que hemos planteado sobre algunos aspectos de su 
política comercial, que han sido enviadas a la Secretaría, lo que proveerá de insumos importantes 
para el fortalecimiento de las relaciones bilaterales en materia de co mercio exterior.   
CHILE  
4.432.   Saludamos a la delegación de los Estados Unidos, encabezada por el Embajador Michael 
Punke con quien hemos establecido en estos años una cordial y fructífera relación profesional, y le 
agradecemos el trabajo que ha desarrollado en esta casa, deseándole muchos éxitos en la nueva 
etapa que le toca emprender.  
4.433.   En un plano más lúdico pero no menos importante, destaco también nuestra común 
pertenencia al grupo de nueve países denominado "Vinos del Nuevo Mundo", en que hemos 
compartido gr atas veladas de cooperación entre competidores, lo que demuestra cómo se pueden 
compatibilizar ambas condiciones para expandir los mercados.  
4.434.   No nos vamos a referir a situaciones de la política comercial de los Estados Unidos ya 
suficientemente reseñadas y  destacadas en el informe de la Secretaría, en la presentación de la 
presidenta y por el ponente. Compartimos la valoración que se hace en esos informes, así como 
las preocupaciones sistémicas manifestadas. Hemos remitido 18 preguntas cuyas respuestas 
agradeceremos.  
4.435.   La relación bilateral entre Estados Unidos y Chile tiene hoy más de 200 años. Durante este 
largo período, a partir de nuestras propias realidades, intereses y procesos históricos, hemos 
sabido encontrar las coincidencias fundamentales para cons truir una relación integral en un plano 
de igualdad. Destacamos asimismo la cooperación técnica, investigación y educación superior, y la 
eliminación de visado para viajar a los Estados Unidos.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.436.   Nuestras relaciones son de respeto mutuo, en el plano bilatera l y multilateral. Enfrentamos 
nuevos desafíos comunes en el delicado equilibrio global y la convivencia entre los pueblos. Hoy 
tenemos firmes coincidencias en lo político, lo cultural y lo económico comercial. Valoramos el libre 
comercio y la apertura econ ómica, hemos trabajado por expandir los mercados, introducir equidad 
en el sistema, combatir el proteccionismo y las distorsiones. Nuestro país confía en que estas 
coincidencias se mantendrán en el futuro, en el marco de nuestros acuerdos bilaterales y 
plurilaterales, y en especial, en el seno de la OMC.  
4.437.   En términos políticos, se acaba de celebrar en Santiago la reunión bilateral del Mecanismo 
de Diálogo Político, con una delegación encabezada por el Subsecretario de Estado Thomas 
Shannon.  
4.438.   Nuestra relación económico -comercial se enmarca en nuestro Tratado de Libre Comercio, 
que ya liberalizó el 100% del intercambio de bienes.  
4.439.   Estados Unidos es nuestro segundo socio en el comercio de bienes y el primero en 
servicios. En 10 años el intercambio ha crecido a un  promedio anual del 11%. En particular, en 
2015 el intercambio de bienes alcanzó los 19.959 millones de dólares EE.UU., un 16,1% del 
comercio exterior chileno.  
4.440.   Estados Unidos es el mayor inversionista extranjero en Chile, representando el 25,8% del 
total acumulado, principalmente en minería y comercio, con 29 mil millones de dólares EE.UU.  
4.441.   Por su parte, Estados Unidos permanece como quinto país receptor de inversión directa de 
Chile, en servicios y minería, con un acumulado de 8.527 millones de dólares EE. UU. en 15 años. 
Cifra significativa dado el tamaño de nuestra economía.  
4.442.   Nos complace que los Estados Unidos haya ratificado tempranamente el AFC. Y en este 
contexto, vemos con interés que a fines del presente año, contará con un sistema de ventanilla 
única  que permitirá a las empresas ingresar electrónicamente toda la información requerida por las 
autoridades.  
4.443.   El dinamismo que muestran los Estados Unidos en la incorporación de soluciones 
informáticas y el uso de las ventajas de Internet para el desarrollo d e la economía, es un interés 
compartido por nuestro país. Prueba de ellos son nuestros esfuerzos comunes por avanzar en 
materia de comercio electrónico y en general la digitalización de los procesos económicos y 
comerciales, como factor de competitividad y  a la vez de inclusión, por ejemplo con respecto a las 
Pymes. Hemos trabajado todos estos aspectos en el contexto del APEC y el TPP que ambos 
integramos. Asimismo, en Ginebra, hemos avanzado en la negociación TISA, que esperamos 
continuar el próximo semest re. 
4.444.   Quiero mencionar especialmente la iniciativa llamada "Our Oceans", para la protección de 
nuestros mares. La hemos impulsado conjuntamente a escala global. Uno de los aspectos 
considerados, es la eliminación de subsidios a la pesca, y estamos trabajando  a nivel multilateral y 
plurilateral para alcanzar un acuerdo en conformidad con la Tarea 14.6 de los Objetivos de 
Desarrollo Sostenible.  
4.445.   Lo mismo podemos afirmar en cuanto al impulso necesario al comercio electrónico y en 
general el "e -trade". Sobre esto esperamos lograr un acuerdo en la MC11.  
4.446.   En esta misma perspectiva, felicitamos a los Estados Unidos y su Comisión Federal de 
Comunicaciones, por la adopción en 2015 de una Ordenanza de Internet Abierto, incorporando 
conceptos esenciales de neutralidad en l a red, como la prohibición de bloquear o de dar prioridad 
pagada al tráfico en línea.  
4.447.   Coincidimos con nuestro socio en la promoción de un sistema balanceado de propiedad 
intelectual. Es un valor que compartimos. En cuanto al Reporte Special 301, se indica en el 
informe de la Secretaría que las autoridades utilizan todas las herramientas de la política comercial 
para cumplir ese objetivo.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.448.   En ese sentido, Chile reitera la importancia del diálogo amistoso y de buena fe para 
resolver diferencias, usando los mec anismos e instancias acordadas para estos efectos. Uno de los 
pilares del sistema multilateral de comercio es la certeza y seguridad jurídica. Instrumentos 
unilaterales, ajenos a los mecanismos de diálogo de la OMC y acuerdos internacionales, no 
contribuye n al espíritu cooperativo que debe primar entre países.  
4.449.   En otra materia muy relevante para la relación bilateral, Chile espera avances en el 
Congreso estadounidense en la aprobación del Acuerdo para Evitar la Doble Tributación suscrito 
entre ambos.  
4.450.   Finalme nte, deseamos a los Estados Unidos un positivo decimotercer examen de política 
comercial, con la convicción de que nuestra relación bilateral continuará creciendo. Asimismo, 
confiamos en que los Estados Unidos seguirá  trabajando por el fortalecimiento de la OMC. La 
próxima cita ministerial de Buenos Aires debe encontrarnos unidos en estos propósitos, para 
robustecer la agenda multilateral, especialmente en agricultura, servicios, pesca, comercio 
electrónico y eliminación de distorsiones.  
ICELAND  
4.451.   I would li ke to take this opportunity to recognize you, Michael, and thank you on behalf of 
my delegation, for your co -operation and valuable contributions to this Organization during your 
tenure in Geneva and wish you all the success in the next chapter of your car eer. 
4.452.   The United States is the largest economy in the world and remains Iceland's most 
important trading partner outside Europe. Trade in merchandise goods accounted for 
approximately 8% of imports and 5.7% of exports in 2015.  
4.453.   The U.S. is also one of the la rgest foreign investors in Iceland, primarily in the aluminum 
sector but also increasingly in the tourism sector, where this year we expect to welcome more 
than 350,000 visitors, the most of any country in the world, a number four times higher than in 
2012. 
4.454.   But our relationship goes much deeper than mere trade. We cooperate on a host of issues 
ranging from security and defense to shared values such as democracy and human rights. I take 
this opportunity to reiterate my Government's strong commitment to stren gthening our 
relationship, not least in the field of trade.  
4.455.   Iceland appreciates the role played by the U.S. at the multilateral trading level. The U.S. is 
our natural ally on many issues in the WTO, and we look forward to continue our excellent 
relations o n a broad range of issues, including negotiation processes such as TiSA, EGA and efforts 
to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies.  
4.456.   I did not come here just to offer my compliments and congratulations. Like all close 
partners, we have occasional disagreemen ts and points of friction that require our attention. And 
when it comes to trade, the TPR is an appropriate forum to raise them.  
4.457.   I will limit my remarks to three specific and sometimes recurring areas of particular 
concern/relevance to Iceland.  
4.458.   The first i s the U.S. import prohibition of eider down. Icelanders have traditionally 
harvested shed feathers of the Eider duck in a sustainable fashion. While this is not a major 
industry, it still provides an important additional source of income for many rural com munities in 
Iceland. Unfortunately, the U.S. still maintains an important ban on this product. Iceland maintains 
that there is no scientific evidence to support this ban, nor can it be justified by environmental 
concerns. We would again like to urge the U. S. to reconsider its position.  
4.459.   The second issue is the strict import restriction of foreign built fishing vessels into the U.S. 
While these restrictions may not be in breach of the letter of the United States WTO commitments, 
they are not within the spirit  of the principles upon which the WTO was founded. We would 
therefore ask the U.S. to reconsider these restrictions.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.460.   Finally, Iceland, like many other fish exporting nations, are closely following the 
implementation of the new regulations by the United Sta tes related to fisheries imports (here I am 
referring to the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Seafood Import Monitoring 
Program/Seafood Traceability Rule). As a responsible fishing nation, we fully share the overall 
objective of the Seafood Traceabilit y Rule of combatting IUU and seafood fraud. In that respect, 
Iceland underlines the importance of an effective and efficient system and to minimize 
administrative burden. Furthermore, it is imperative that any such measures are applied in a 
comprehensive a nd non -discriminatory manner and that we avoid imposing any obstacles to trade, 
fully keeping in line with WTO principles. Regarding the Marine Mammal Protection Act, we remain 
committed to responsible and sustainable fisheries management that takes into a ccount ecosystem 
effects.  
4.461.   Finally, let me echo your words and the discussant and many colleagues this morning, with 
regard to the future developments of U.S. trade policy.  
4.462.   We continue to need the strong leadership of the U.S. for further development of our  rule 
based multilateral trading system.  
4.463.   Furthermore, we need the strong U.S. voice arguing for open and rules based trade and 
further opening of markets, in a nutshell we need a strong U.S. leadership in the tasks we have on 
our hands arguing more forcefu lly the economic benefits of globalization.  
MAURITIUS  
4.464.   The prospects for sustained growth of the single largest economy in the world augur well. 
We watched with interest the recent economic forecast of the Federal Reserve Bank and the 
daunting challenges wo uld be to balance fiscal and monetary policies, support efficient trade 
policies aimed at producing the right and conducive environment to generate growth, create 
employment, promote trade and investment and above all make policies work.  
4.465.   Mauritius and the  United States have long standing historical trade links. These were 
further enhanced through the African Growth and Opportunity Act adopted in 2000. This Act came 
timely with the phase out of the Multi -Fibre Agreement and provided the necessary and cataly tic 
support to Mauritius in its textiles exports. Mauritius welcomed the ten year extension of AGOA 
last year as it provides continued market access into the United States with the necessary 
predictability. Uncertainty is an adversity for trade and busines s. The Trade Preferences Extension 
Act of 2015 which renewed AGOA preferences called upon the USTR to develop a strategy for 
negotiating FTAs with AGOA beneficiaries and to identify those AGOA countries that are ready to 
initiate FTA negotiations. We hope that the time between now and the year 2025 is effectively 
used in favour of a strong and predictable partnership between the U.S. and Sub Saharan African 
Countries, including Mauritius.  
4.466.   On the bilateral front, our countries have signed a Trade Investment Framework 
Agreement and Mauritius looks forward to more bilateral interactions under the TIFA so as to 
intensify our trade and economic links. So far, discussions have focused on agribusiness linkages, 
ICT services, renewable energy and IPR protection and enforcement. Mauritius and the U.S. have 
also concluded a set of principles in the ICT sector. Looking forward, we would like to work with 
the U.S. side with respect to new regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act and its 
implications for busine sses and the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.  
4.467.   We have always argued for the necessary level playing field to allow developing countries 
to participate effectively in the global trading system as well as the global value chains. As for 
Mauritius we saw the value in participating in some of the key negotiations such as the ITA with a 
view to enable the country to exploit dynamic competitive advantages.  
4.468.   Similarly we have been participating in several plurilaterals with a view to see their 
eventual mul tilateralization. Mauritius attaches great significance to trade facilitation, 
improvements in the doing business climate and environment and the necessity for developing 
countries to have the necessary capacity to comprehend complex legal and technical ob ligations. 
To this end, we look forward to continued and sustained assistance of the U.S. to developing 
countries in areas such as trade facilitation, TBT and SPS.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.469.   My delegation aligns itself with the statement which will be made by Morocco on behalf of 
the African Group. We would like to highlight that the future of African textile industry may be 
affected, as the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement may provide beneficial access to Africa's 
competitors and thwart the competiveness and sustainability of emp loyment for the African 
textiles exporters.  
4.470.   Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize and laud the efforts Ambassador Punke 
deployed during his tenure here for the past eight years. His commitment, dedication, diplomatic 
skills and his ability  to create outcomes are undisputed. We worked collaboratively on several 
issues, and I wish to express to him my sincere appreciation, my farewell and all the best in his 
new endeavours. We hope that the U.S. will continue with its leadership role in our m ultilateral 
trading system.  
MYANMAR  
4.471.   It is a great pleasure for us to associate with the statements delivered on behalf of the 
ASEAN and the LDCs.  
4.472.   Myanmar and the United States of America have established diplomatic relations since 
1947. The Trade and Inves tment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries was 
signed on 21 May 2013.  
4.473.   According to the record, the two -way trade between the two countries reached over 
US$196 million in 2015 -2016.  
4.474.   In terms of the Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar, the c urrent volume of investment 
from the United States of America is US$254.687 million in August 2016.  
4.475.   The United States of America has lifted economic sanctions on Myanmar by the President's 
Executive Order on 7 October this year. In addition, the United Sta tes of America has restored the 
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) trade benefits to Myanmar starting from 13 November 
2016. This new era of our bilateral relationship will greatly enhance the development of trade and 
investment between our two countr ies. 
4.476.   According to the Secretariat's report, the real GDP of U.S. increased 2.4% in 2014 and 
2.5% in 2015. The unemployment rate has continuously declined from 10% in 2009 to under 5% 
at present. The inflation rate was lower than 2% due to strengthening lab our market and growing 
personal income.  
4.477.   In this review period, the fiscal stance was neutral and targeted to keep on deficit below 
3% of GDP. The U.S. was the world's top importer, and the second leading exporter of goods and 
services but the merchandise t rade deficit was US$763 billion in 2015.  
4.478.   We welcome the extension of the U.S.'s preferences for developing countries and LDCs 
under its GSP scheme and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). In addition, the U.S. is 
implementing trade facilitation m easures including the implementation of Single Window (ITDS) by 
the end of this year and the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) in the future.  
4.479.   The U.S. is a key producer and exporter of goods and services consolidated with 
knowledge and intellectual pr operty development. In the agricultural policy, the U.S. has mainly 
focused on insurance and risk management in order to provide a safety net for their farmers. The 
average tariff on agricultural products was 9.1%. In the transport sector, the U.S. maintai ns "Open 
Skies Agreement" (OSAs) with 120 countries.  
4.480.   The U.S. remains the world's top destination for foreign direct investment as well as the 
largest single economy in the world. In the second quarter of 2016, its nominal GDP was 
US$18.4  trillion.  
4.481.   With re spect to the GSP established by the Trade Act of 1947, the U.S. has periodically 
reviewed the list of beneficiary countries. The rules of origin under the U.S. GSP programme 
remains unchanged and cumulation of value added can be requested by the GSP -eligib le regional WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  association. ASEAN includes one of these and we would therefore like to request the U.S. to 
engage more with Myanmar to achieve maximum benefit of this programme.  
4.482.   The delegation of Myanmar is pleased to convey our sincere appreciation to 
H.E. Mr. Michael W. Punke, head of the delegation and his team for their constructive engagement 
throughout this TPR.  
NEPAL  
4.483.   I take this opportunity to commend Ambassador Michael Punke for the important 
contribution he has made to WTO and the multilateral trading  system. As he completes his tenure 
in Geneva, I wish him full success in his personal and work life in the future.  
4.484.   It is appreciable that the U.S. economy has largely come out of the recession of 2009, and 
is in a position to stimulate global growth and t rade. It has done well both in the goods and 
services sectors, the services sector accounting for almost 80% of the GDP, and featuring major 
areas as finance, transport, and telecommunications and very productive workforce. The 
macroeconomic architecture b acked by such fundamentals as expansion of real GDP at an annual 
2.6% in 2015, fall in rate of unemployment to less than 5% at present, low inflation and enhanced 
purchasing power of the consumers, has been inspiring.  
4.485.   It is important to note that because of expansionary macroeconomic policy measures, 
mainly low interest rates and a significant stimulus package taken in a timely manner, the U.S. 
economy has recovered from the complexity of the recession.  
4.486.   Likewise, it is also good to refer here that the US i s the world's top importer and the 
second leading exporter of goods and services. Both the exports and imports of the U.S. are highly 
diversified. In addition, the U.S. is the top destination for global foreign direct investment (FDI), 
with high rankings o n ease of doing business and global competitiveness index.  
4.487.   The active role of the U.S. in strengthening the multilateral trading system within the WTO 
framework is praiseworthy. Their role and responsibility becomes even more important in 
challenging times .  
4.488.   As the U.S. has been actively engaged in several bilateral, regional and mega regional free 
trade agreements, it is desirable that the interests, needs and potentialities of the small and least 
developed countries be addressed in those agreements, even if they are not a party to such deals.  
4.489.   We have concerns that moving beyond the Doha Development Agenda before addressing 
the unfinished business may weaken the development dimension that we have been emphasizing. 
In this context, we request the U.S. as wel l as other members in better -off positions, to be 
responsive to the implementation of provisions of the WTO agreements, decisions and 
declarations, including the DDA, in favour of the weaker economies. This will support their 
industrialization, inclusive g rowth and economic transformation and get them better integrated 
into the global trading system.  
4.490.   The political and diplomatic relations between Nepal and the USA have always been 
friendly, cordial and cooperative. The U.S. partnership to build Nepal a pea ceful, prosperous, 
resilient and democratic society through institutionalizing inclusive and effective governance, 
promoting political stability and economic development, offering humanitarian assistance, is very 
impressive.  
4.491.   The Trade and Investment Framew ork Agreement (TIFA) signed between Nepal and USA in 
2011 is a great formal step to enhance trade and investment opportunities in Nepal. Nepal has 
also been a beneficiary under the Millennium Challenge Corporation. Similarly, we appreciate the 
U.S. legisla tion on granting Trade Preference to Nepal through duty free market access to 66 tariff 
lines to the US markets, which was recently endorsed by the General Council. This measure would 
help in the recovery of our economy and trade from the devastating impac ts of earthquakes and 
the aftershocks.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.492.   The USA is the second largest export destination for Nepalese products. Nepal mainly 
exports woolen carpets, pashmina products, leather and leather products, handicrafts, medicinal 
herbs and essential oils, silver jew elries, indigenous paper and paper products to the USA.  
4.493.   Finally, the delegation of Nepal wishes to get constructively engaged with the U.S., as well 
as other Members, in the strengthening of the multilateral trading system.  
MONTENEGRO  
4.494.   Montenegro would li ke to associate itself with the statement of the European Union.  
4.495.   Montenegro wishes to congratulate the Government of the United States on reaching its 
thirteenth Trade Policy Review – more than any other WTO Member State. This is an excellent 
achievement that underscores the United States' clear commitment to transparency and the multi -
lateral trading system.  
4.496.   Montenegro further wishes to congratulate the Government of the United States on its 
economic performance since its last review. In particular, it is  impressive that the United States' 
economy has shown resilience to challenging global economic conditions, with real GDP increasing 
at 2.4% in 2014 and 2.6% in 2015. Although there are indications that increase in GDP will slow in 
2016 to 1.9%, Montenegro  is pleased to observe that GDP increase is anticipated as being over 
2% for both 2017 and 2018. Montenegro commends the United States on securing significant 
declines in the Federal Budget deficit over the period in review in both absolute terms and relat ive 
to GDP. In particular, Montenegro notes the report of the United States that the budget deficit 
dropped from US$679.6 billion (4.1%) of GDP in 2013 to US$438.4 billion (2.5%) of GDP in 2015. 
A 1.6% decrease in the United States' budget deficit within a  three -year period is impressive. It is 
of note, therefore, that this is the United States' most rapid sustained reduction in budget deficit 
since World War II.  
4.497.   In agreement with the Secretariat, Montenegro notes that despite the robust economic 
performan ce, challenges remain, including dealing with a deteriorating infrastructure and rising 
income inequalities in the country.   
4.498.   I am glad to report on expanding and excellent bilateral relations between Montenegro and 
the U.S. and a very constructive cooperation within the WTO on many issues including its positive 
role during the Montenegro's accession to the GPA in 2015, and the  recent successful negotiation 
on the Expansion of ITA. We commend the U.S. for its leading support in Trade Facilitation 
Agreement and negotiations to liberalize trade further, notably in the form of the Environmental 
Goods Agreement (EGA) and the Trade i n Services Agreement (TiSA).  
4.499.   Of particular interest to Montenegro are the United States' trade related capacity building 
initiatives, including "Aid for Trade", which focuses on helping developing States integrate into the 
global trading community through  a variety of initiatives. Montenegro has experienced first -hand 
the importance of receiving assistance from the United States in a number of forms, including the 
long standing support from the State Department, USAID and the United States' Department of 
Agriculture, particularly during the most difficult times of the 1990s and 2000s. The U.S. support 
programs during that time in the amount of US$238 million in grants were a lifeline in achieving 
economic and political stability of the country emerging from  the post -conflict region of 
ex-Yugoslavia. In Montenegro, United States' assistance has helped build democracy, secure the 
rule of law and introduce a free market economy. Montenegro is extremely grateful to the United 
States for this assistance and there fore recognizes the value that the United States' promotion of 
trade and economic growth in developing states through a wide range of trade capacity building 
activities can have.  
4.500.   We also saw new gains in bilateral economic relations, particularly in the i nvestment 
sector. Twenty -six U.S. companies are operating in Montenegro, and the U.S. Embassy and the 
Government of Montenegro have put an emphasis on attracting more American investment.  
4.501.   The purchase of the Trend Fund marked the first significant U.S. ins titutional investment in 
Montenegro's stock market, a development that has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs 
and improve Montenegro's investment climate. Data Card Group won the Government of WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  Montenegro/Ministry of Interior Affairs' first tender  for the procurement of the system for issuing 
passports and national identification documents for the newly independent country. The value of 
the contract, signed in July 2007, was roughly nine million euros. A strategic partnership 
agreement between the Government of Montenegro and Microsoft was signed in 2008, and a new 
contract on continued cooperation was signed in 2011. Oracle signed a strategic partnership 
agreement with the Government of Montenegro in 2008, and these two agreements allow for the 
purchase and use of Microsoft and Oracle licenses and software by the government, state agencies 
and municipal authorities.  
4.502.   NCH capital is also working with the Montenegrin Government to explore ways to develop 
coastal properties into world -class tourism reso rts. Just a few months ago we witnessed the 
opening of the beautifully renovated Hotel "Montenegro" by Hilton Group. General Electric has 
expressed strong interest in providing state -of-the-art technology and equipment for the wind 
power plant in the north  part of Montenegro. In the medical field, Abbot Laboratories is providing 
much -needed medical equipment to the Montenegrin health system. These steps have brought 
more attention to Montenegro, including visits by high -level U.S. officials and legislators.  The 
American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro (AmCham Montenegro) founded in 2008, has 
created a strong network of members who together strive for a more competitive Montenegro and 
support the acceleration of Montenegro's integration with the European Un ion. 
4.503.   Finally, Montenegro is looking forward to continuing the partnership with the U.S. and 
constructive engagement with the Unites States Mission in Geneva, which allow us to build on this 
strong foundation. I would like to use this opportunity to bid far ewell to my distinguished 
colleague, Ambassador Michael Punke, and to recognize remarkable contribution of his work to 
strengthening mutual understanding and relevance of the WTO in general. We wish the United 
States success in its thirteenth Trade Policy Review and a Happy Holiday Season to all members of 
the U.S. delegation.  
MALI 
4.504.   Ma délégation a noté avec intérêt les actions majeures entreprises par le Gouvernement 
américain po ur davantage d'ouverture et pour la facilitation des échanges entre les États -Unis et le 
reste du monde.  
4.505.   Elle salue les efforts du Gouvernement américain pour l'amélioration constante de la 
transparence qui participe considérablement à l'amélioration du niveau des échanges avec 
l'extérieur.  
4.506.   Le Mali apprécie hautement les divers initi atives et soutiens que les États -Unis d'Amérique 
apportent tant au plan bilatéral que multilatéral pour une plus grande intégration de nos 
économies au commerce mondial et ceci afin que le commerce soit un véritable levier de 
croissance et de développement  et un instrument de lutte contre la pauvreté.  
4.507.   Je voudrais saluer en particulier le soutien et la disponibilité des États -Unis dans les 
négociations en faveur du coton à l'OMC et leur réitérer nos encouragements à poursuivre dans le 
sens des axes de politi ques de réformes qu'ils se sont définis, au bénéfice du système commercial 
multilatéral.  
4.508.   C'est également le lieu de saluer l'appui du Gouvernement américain à la promotion de la 
filière coton à travers le projet WACIP lancé en Afrique de l'ouest et dont a déjà bénéficié le Mali.  
4.509.   Le Mali bénéficiaire du programme résultant de la "loi sur la Croissance et le perspectives 
économiques de l'Afrique subsaharienne" (AGOA), voudrait exprimer toute sa satisfa ction pour la 
prolongation et la  révision de ce programme qui vise à stimuler le commerce et l'investissement.  
SRI LANKA  
4.510.   My delegation notes with interest the achievement of the United States' economy in the 
traditional trade surplus in cross -border commercial services, as well as with strong surpluses in 
areas s uch as financial services, transport, and charges for the use of intellectual property. We 
believe that sound and consistent economic policies adopted by the United States Government and WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  proper implementation strategies have contributed towards the positiv e developments in the U.S. 
economy. The United States continues to remain in the position of the world's top destination for 
foreign direct investment, with total inflows of US$348.4 billion in 2015.  
4.511.   Let me briefly reflect on the bilateral relations betwee n the United States and Sri Lanka. 
The U.S. is the largest single buyer of Sri Lankan exports since 1979, and continues to remain in 
the same position even today, absorbing 25% of Sri Lanka's total exports. Sri Lankan exports to 
the U.S. in 2010 and 2011 h ave recorded an impressive growth of 11% and 21%, respectively. 
Further, value of Sri Lanka's export to the U.S., which stood at US$2,496 million in 2013, has 
increased to US$2,800 million. In 2015, the total trade turnover between the two countries has 
recorded a value of US$3,271 million. Apparel is the largest exporting product to the U.S. from 
Sri Lanka which accounts for about 75% of Sri Lanka's exports to the U.S. in 2015.  
4.512.   In terms of imports, the U.S. is the 7th largest supplier to Sri Lanka. Sri Lan ka's imports 
from the U.S. has registered at the value of US$285 million in 2011 and it has increased to 
US$352 million in 2013 and further increased to US$493 million in 2014. Oil -cake and other solid 
residues are the major importing products to Sri Lanka  from the U.S. and they contributed to 
nearly 16% of Sri Lanka's imports from the U.S. in 2015.  
4.513.   U.S. is an important source of foreign direct investments to Sri Lanka. With the entry of 
U.S. apparel giant MAST Industries in 1987, there have been about 200 projects with U.S. 
collaboration for a cumulative investment of approximately US$300 million in Sri Lanka. In terms 
of tourism, more than 47,000 tourists have arrived to Sri Lanka from the U.S. in 2015.  
4.514.   Sri Lanka has signed a number of bilateral treaties w ith the United States to improve 
bilateral trade and economic relations. These include: the Agreement on the avoidance of Double 
Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income, the U.S. and 
Sri Lanka Air Transport Agreement a nd the U.S. -Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Framework 
Agreement (TIFA) signed in 2002.  
4.515.   Sri Lanka is the first country in South Asia to implement Container Security Initiative (CSI) 
under the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP). Sri Lanka is also parti cipating in the U.S. 
Mega -port Initiative to utilize the expertise of the United States Department of Energy and the 
National Nuclear Security Administration to make port of Colombo safer.  
4.516.   The United States has been a major development partner of Sri Lanka  for many years. The 
recent development assistance received by Sri Lanka from the United States includes provision of 
US$3.75 million to initiate a dairy project as part of a dairy revitalization project in the post 
conflict area of the Eastern province to  uplift the livelihoods of 4,000 dairy farmers, Agreement 
with a major farmer society in Batticaloa district in Sri Lanka to expand the milk production under 
which 1,200 participatory farmers will receive training and technical assistance to improve the 
quality and quantity of milk production, the USAID funded study report to identify investment 
opportunities in the aquaculture sector in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. The USAID has also 
agreed to fund a project to focus on a strategy of branding Ceylon Cinnamon in the USA.  
4.517.   My delegation highly appreciates the United States' valued contribution to the multilateral 
trading system and its active engagement in the negotiations in the WTO. The dynamic role played 
by Ambassador Punke and his team in Geneva in proactively engaging in ongoing activities of the 
WTO is highly commendable. On behalf of my delegation, I take the opportunity to convey our 
best wishes to Ambassador Punke, who will be returning to the United States after his successful 
term of office in  Geneva.  
LESOTHO  
4.518.   We acknowledge the measures that the United States has taken since the last review. It is 
most natural and logical that the trade policy of the United States as a major economic player 
continues to be very important to many WTO Members as it directly affects their economies in 
various ways.  
4.519.   We note with appreciation the continuing commitment and leadership of the United States 
in safeguarding a fair and balanced multilateral trading system, capable of achieving a WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  rules-based, open, predicta ble, inclusive, non -discriminatory and equitable trade environment. 
This is the system which would provide every country, regardless of its territorial size, population, 
or level of development the opportunity to effectively and beneficially participate in  global trade.  
4.520.   Lesotho particularly appreciates the noble initiatives that the United States is undertaking 
to help the African countries and the Least developed countries (LDCs) become better integrated 
into the multilateral trading system.  
4.521.   For us in Leso tho, we shall forever remain grateful to the United States for the enactment 
of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) which became the cornerstone of trade and 
investment between the United States and Africa. Lesotho was able to defy the odds of si ze and 
managed to establish one of the largest textiles and garment manufacturing industries in 
Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), which has also turned out to be the biggest employer in the country, 
creating above numerous jobs especially for women.  
4.522.   AGOA has been  the lifeblood for the textile industry in Lesotho and indeed a beacon of 
hope for the people of Lesotho to free themselves from the shackles of poverty. As a result we 
continue to be interested in safeguarding AGOA and continue to be concerned about the p otential 
erosion of AGOA by other multilateral and bilateral trade developments.  
4.523.   Whilst AGOA has no doubt, contributed tremendously to job creation and flow of 
investments in many Sub -Saharan African Countries it has not been used to its full potential. 
Sixteen years down the line, it is quite disheartening that sub -Saharan Africa's presence in the 
U.S. market remains small in relative terms, at one percent of total U.S. imports in 2015. It is 
quite an anomaly, in the apparel sector, a sector without any se rious barriers to entry, that Africa's 
exports to the United States remained at nearly $1 billion in 2015 whilst apparel exports of a 
certain LDC to the U.S. were around US$6 billion though trading under MFN rates. The fact that 
the whole continent of 54 i ndependent countries is surpassed by a single LDC member ostensibly 
shows that more has to be done for Africa to fully benefit from AGOA.  
4.524.   Another important U.S. instrument which contributed immensely in Lesotho's development 
has been the Millennium Challen ge Compact in which Lesotho received US$363 million grant. This 
progamme focused on health, water, and private sector development. We register our appreciation 
to the United States for these initiatives and look forward to the continued cooperation with th e 
United States in various ways.  
EGYPT  
4.525.   First, we would like to align ourselves with the statement that will be delivered by Morocco 
on behalf of the African Group.  
4.526.   Egypt welcomes the opportunity to participate in the 13th Trade Policy Review for one of 
our major trading partner. Egypt and the United States have a historic and varied relationship that 
is supported by co -operation between businesses through trade in goods and services, and 
investment.  
4.527.   At the bilateral level, trade and investment constitute a central pillar of the multi -faceted 
relations. Our bilateral trade has witnessed almost steady trend in the last few years, with some 
decrease in total trade lately. On the other hand, inflow U.S. investment to Egypt recorded notable 
increase in the last c ouple of years.  
4.528.   The United States is one of Egypt's largest single trading partners with a volume of trade 
reaching US$6.3 billion in 2015, down by 20% from 2014 levels and representing approximately 
2.1% of Egypt's GDP.  
4.529.   The United States accumulated inflo ws investments in Egypt reaching US$21.3 billion by 
the end of 2014, which places us as the first recipient country in Africa, and second in the Middle 
East. Currently, there are 1200 established companies between Egypt and U.S. partners. However, 
we stron gly believe that there is still room and potential to further improve our economic and 
commercial relations. The recent business mission of more than 50 major U.S. companies formed 
another venue to enhance our economic co -operation.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.530.   Egypt is a country that  firmly supports the multilateral trading system and the benefits it 
brings. And we greatly appreciate the key role the United States has played since the inception of 
the WTO and in the GATT before that.  
4.531.   The current slowdown in the global trade must striv e Member States to do more to comply 
with shared responsibility in preserving the credibility of the WTO as a negotiation forum.  
4.532.   Active U.S. participation and leadership in the WTO, and close engagement by the U.S. 
with other Members remains vital to the f uture wellbeing of this Organization and to achieving 
further gains in WTO negotiations.  
4.533.   Egypt commends the positive role the United States has played recently in securing 
successful outcome in both Bali and Nairobi ministerial, and hope to maintain same m omentum as 
we now collectively look forward to a balanced positive outcome in Buenos Aires.  
4.534.   The United States remains a key economic driver of the global economy. It is, therefore, 
evident that trade and economic policy developments in the U.S., whether it s fiscal or monetary 
policies, or mega -regional trading blocs, affect the global economy directly, and therefore of 
importance of all of us.  
4.535.   The United States' economy continued to expand by 2.5% in average at an annual rate in 
the review period, where gro ss capital formation was an engine of growth, encouraged by low 
interest rates in the review period.  
4.536.   The United States is the world's first importer and second exporter of goods and services. 
While both imports and exports contracted in 2015 mostly affecte d by lower oil prices, weak global 
demand and stronger dollar. U.S. remains the world's top exporter of cross -border commercial 
services, and world's top destination for foreign direct investment, it is also acknowledgeable that 
the financial services indu stry has largely recovered from the financial crises.  
4.537.   During the review period, the U.S. long -standing commitment to open trade policies 
continued, we note the number of trade facilitation measures taken in that regard. In particular, 
the implementation of  the single -window International Trade Data System.  
4.538.   The legal and regulatory frameworks for tariffs, rules of origin, import licensing, customs 
valuation and other charges on imports remained unchanged during the review period.  
4.539.   We also appreciate the conti nued commitment of the U.S. by extending unilateral 
preferences to help developing countries including LDCs, in their efforts to be further integrate into 
global value chains and we believe that autonomous preferences accorded by the U.S. to those 
countrie s have very positive outcomes for this purpose.  
4.540.   Finally, Egypt strongly commends the United States for their economic performance in the 
period reviewed.  
MADAGASCAR  
4.541.   Je souhaite féliciter les États -Unis pour la qualité de sa présentation au cours de cet 
examen de politique commerciale, ainsi que les réponses qu'il a données aux questions écrites.  
4.542.   Je constate le dynamisme de ce pays ami et partenaire qui s'est distingué par son 
leadership unique au sein de notre Organisation et ses efforts ayant permis, entre  autres, d'obtenir 
l'accord historique sur la facilitation des échanges et à bien des décisions en faveur des plus 
vulnérables de nos Membres.  
4.543.   Selon l'étude de l'OCDE sur l'économie des États -Unis publiée en juin 2016, l'économie 
américaine a renoué avec l a croissance et l'emploi. Ces performances économiques indéniables 
sont les fruits, entre autres, de la relance de la production et de l'exportation et surtout grâce à 
des réformes favorisant la libéralisation des échanges.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.544.   Par ailleurs, ce géant économiqu e a su au fil du temps trouver sa place de partenaire 
privilégiée de l'Afrique et mon pays s'en réjouit.  
4.545.   Ma délégation note l'impact soutenu de la croissance jusqu'au début de cette année sur le 
revenu par habitant, la consommation des ménages, et le taux de chômage.  
4.546.   Madagascar a bénéficié de la Loi sur la croissance et les possibilités en Afrique et reste 
attaché à cette préférence qui permet à des millions d'emploi décents de se maintenir sur le 
continent africain.  
4.547.   La présence de Mme Florie Liser, Assista nt USTR à la foire sur le textile "origin africa" a été 
remarquée car celle -ci témoigne de l'importance que les États -Unis accordent à sa relation avec 
l'Afrique et Madagascar en particulier.  
4.548.   Madagascar apprécie tout particulièrement le dynamisme de l'East  Africa Trade and 
Investment hub dans la promotion des investissements américains à Madagascar et les 
exportations des entreprises malagasy notamment dans les secteurs de l'agroalimentaire ou du 
textile.  
4.549.   Je salue la présence des investisseurs américains à Madagascar dont tout récemment une 
société active dans l'électrification et qui a bénéficié du programme "power africa". Cette présence 
témoigne d'autant plus de l'amélioration du climat des affaires à Madagascar et de la confiance 
accordée au Gouvernement  malagasy.  
4.550.   Je ne saurais passer sous silence l'extraordinaire rôle que jouent les États -Unis sur les 
plans économique, social, environnemental, ou dans la recherche et le développement des 
compétences. J'insiste sur le domaine de la santé oú Madagascar est  privilégié en recevant 
régulièrement l'aide américaine dans la lutte contre les principales maladies contagieuses, ou la 
mitigation des effets de la malnutrition qui sévit dans le sud de l'île.  
4.551.   Nous encourageons fortement les États -Unis à poursuivre les r éformes engagées 
notamment sur les questions d'amélioration des revenus des ménages, de réduction des obstacles 
et des distorsions liés au commerce et à l'investissement, sachant que le repli sur soi risque de 
fragiliser la performance et la croissance.  
4.552.   Toutes nos félicitations à ce grand pays pour cet examen réussi. Nous saluons aussi 
l'excellent travail fourni par S.E. l'Ambassadeur Punke en sa qualité d'ambassadeur, Représentant 
des États -Unis auprès de l'OMC.  
4.553.   Pour terminer, permettez -moi de féliciter la  transparence affichée durant cet examen, 
aussi bien dans la richesse des informations obtenues, que dans leur diversité et leur pertinence. 
Madagascar apprécie tout particulièrement l'opportunité qui lui est offerte de participer à cet 
examen de la politi que commerciale des États -Unis. 
4.554.   Nous restons attentifs aux possibilités de dialoguer avec le Gouvernement américain aussi 
bien à l'OMC que sur le plan bilatéral.  
PAKISTAN  
4.555.   United States is one of Pakistan's major and a very important trading partner, it is our 
largest export destination and one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment.  
4.556.   For a long time, the United States has been the main source of wheat, fertilizer, raw, 
cotton, chemical compounds, plant and machinery, aircraft and their parts and  iron and steel. 
Textiles products contribute to a large share in Pakistan's exports to the United States and it is 
estimated that a much bigger market exists for the export of higher value added textile products 
to the United States. Our export to the Uni ted States in 2015 was US$3.7 billion and U.S. exports 
to Pakistan were US$1.8 billion.  
4.557.   Our 30% of total woven garments and 63% of knit garments are exported to the U.S.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.558.   The Karachi -based American Business Council (ABC), an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of  
Commerce, has a membership of 68 U.S. companies, most of which are Fortune 500 companies, 
operating in Pakistan across a range of sectors.  
4.559.   U.S. companies are making key contribution to Pakistan's economy and making best use of 
positive business environmen t, recently General Electric won an international bid to provide three 
power plants of 1200 MW each, worth US$3 billion. The new power plants will go a long way in 
supporting Pakistan's struggle, to roll back crippling electricity shortages that have plagu ed the 
country for years.  
4.560.   The United States -Pakistan Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) is the 
primary mechanism for both Parties to discuss trade and investment issues and focus on ways to 
strengthen the bilateral relationship.  
4.561.   The United Sta tes and Pakistan have a Joint Action Plan to expand bilateral trade and 
investment flows, it has eight key areas:  
 Diversifying agricultural production;  
 Enhancing intellectual property protection;  
 Implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement;  
 Engaging on P akistan's accession to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement;  
 Increasing trade in services;  
 Outreach to U.S. State and Local Government;  
 Promoting entrepreneurship; and  
 Increasing dialogue between our respective private sectors.  
4.562.   The United States also r emains an important partner in provision of technical assistance of 
various kinds to Pakistan; USAID has a large programme in Pakistan. In first week of January, 
USAID is partnering with us, to organize a three day workshop on Trade Facilitation agreement 
implementation, approximately 40 professionals from different agencies will participate, technical 
resource persons have been drawn from UCTAD, ITC and WCO, a similar seminar is being 
facilitated by USAID to build capacity of local agencies for SPS. We gre atly value this partnership.  
4.563.   The United States achieved real GDP growth of 2.4% and 2.6%, respectively in 2014 and 
2015, the unemployment rate was halved from 10% in 2009 to 5% today. We commend the 
well-targeted reforms in trade policies adopted by the U. S. Government that have contributed to 
this considerable economic performance. We particularly appreciate the continuation of an open 
and liberal trade regime pursued by the United States.  
4.564.   The implementation of numerous trade facilitation measures by the U .S. has been reflected 
in the OECD trade facilitation index which indicates that the U.S. exceeds the average 
performances of OECD countries, the U.S. indicator stands at 1.7, while the best performing 
indicator is at 2.  
4.565.   On the other hand, the Gender Gap i ndex highly contrasts with this otherwise outstanding 
performance. The U.S. went further down in its ranking form 23rd place in 2006 to 45th place in 
2016. This downward trend should certainly be overcome rapidly given the stated aim of the U.S. 
Government  in its trade policy agenda 2016.  
4.566.   To conclude, I must acknowledge Ambassador Michael Punke and his Geneva based team 
for their constructive contribution to our work here at the WTO, the U.S. contribution under 
Ambassador Punke was critical in success in Ba li and Nairobi Ministerial Conference.  
4.567.   Ambassador Punke, thank you for your tremendous contribution to the work of the WTO 
and to the multilateral trading system. We wish you the best as you "continue the Journey of 
Discovery" in pursuits other than trade.  I am sur you will enjoy your work in "Last Best Place – 
Montana", but your friends here in Geneva will miss you.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  ISRAEL  
4.568.   Israel and the United States have close economic and trade relations including a free trade 
agreement signed in 1985.  
4.569.   The United State s remains the largest single economy in the world.  
4.570.   Since the last review, a strong increase of goods and services exports together with 
growing domestic energy production have significantly reduced the U.S. current account deficit. A 
steady Federal Reserve 's monetary policy and the expected rise of interest rates are further signs 
that the U.S. has improved fundamentals and will continue to be an engine of global economic 
growth in the years to come.  
4.571.   Israeli companies have clearly benefited from strong dema nd on the U.S. market. As 
Israel's most important single trading partner, the U.S. accounts for 28.5% total Israeli exports of 
goods. U.S. exports to Israel are mainly machinery, agricultural products, aircraft, optic and 
medical instruments. The top five Israel's exports to the U.S. are diamonds (23.60%), 
pharmaceutical products (10.63%), machinery (5.14%), electronic, optic and medical instruments 
(19.65%). Israeli investment in the United States has averaged US$9.3 billion in 2014 and 2015.  
4.572.   Despite a low  average tariff level, the U.S. has a considerable number of tariff peaks for 
goods exported by developing countries, such as textiles, apparel and, especially, agricultural 
products.  
4.573.   Similar to others, we continue to be concerned by some steps under the B uy American 
programme and its impact on government procurement opportunities; like the water sector, as 
well as its overall impact on trade. We are concerned with the possibility that new such steps will 
be taken and we urge the U.S. administration, in par ticular, USTR, to stand guard against it.  
4.574.   On the multilateral front, U.S. participation and leadership in the WTO, and close 
engagement by the U.S. with other Member remains vital to the future wellbeing of this 
Organization. Israel appreciates the U.S. fo r its constructive role in the TiSA and EGA negotiations, 
which at the current time seem to supply a practical solution to some relevant issues. Looking 
forward, we expect the U.S. to play a major role in leading to the conclusion of those two 
important in itiatives which promise enormous economic gains.  
4.575.   Equally, Israel would like to note the positive role the U.S. has played in securing results in 
Bali and Nairobi which help maintain a very important momentum in the multilateral arena, 
especially as we now collectively look forward to substantive deliverables in Buenos Aires. We hope 
to see the U.S. continue to lead and inspire others with trade liberalization efforts.  
4.576.   We would also like to note the positive leadership with which Ambassador Punke has 
orchest rated U.S. trade diplomacy during his tenure in Geneva. Israel thanks and wishes 
Ambassador Punke all the best in his future endeavors.  
KENYA  
4.577.   First of all, we would like to align ourselves with the statement that will be delivered by 
Morocco on behalf of t he African Group.  
4.578.   Kenya and the United States have historically enjoyed warm and cordial relations, which 
have deepened over the many years of diplomatic and economic relations. The relationship was 
further strengthened by President Obama's visit to Kenya in July 2015, the first ever visit by a 
siting United States President. This has had significant positive impact to our country.  
4.579.   The United States has remained committed to the multilateral trading system and 
continues to contribute significantly to the de velopment of the WTO. We take note of the 
United  States' support to developing countries particularly least -developed countries though the 
provision of technical and financial assistance. We appreciate these efforts and encourage the 
United States to conti nue providing support to these countries.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  4.580.   The United States is one of the largest economies in the world and a leading global trader. 
The economy of the United States has continued to perform well after the recession which ended 
in 2009. We note that the r eal GDP expanded by 2.4% and 2.6% in the period 2014 and 2015, 
respectively. The growth was largely driven by consumer spending. We also note that the economy 
is expected to expand by 2.5% and 2.4% in the years 2017 and 2018, respectively. We 
congratulate the United States for its efforts which have led to the economy being resilient 
considering that the current global economy has been experiencing slowdown in growth.  
4.581.   We take note that the United States is the world's top importer and the second leading 
exporter of goods and services, with a highly -diversified export supply. However, both 
merchandise imports and exports contracted during the review period.  
4.582.   The United States is involved in various Mega Regional Trade Agreements. These regional 
trade agreement s aim to liberalize trade in nearly all goods and services and establish rules and 
commitments in areas currently not covered by the WTO. We, therefore, urge the United States 
and its partners to ensure that these initiatives complement and not undermine t he multilateral 
trading system under the WTO.  
4.583.   We recognize that AGOA remains the foundation for the United States trade relationship 
with sub -Saharan African countries. AGOA provides beneficiary countries with the most liberal 
access to the United States m arket. We therefore commend the United States efforts for renewing 
the AGOA for the next ten years until 2025.  
4.584.   On the bilateral front, the United States remains an important partner for Kenya. The 
United States is our 4th largest trading partner. Kenya is eligible for preferential trade benefits 
under AGOA and majority of Kenya's exports to the United States are duty -free. Kenya has also 
immensely benefited from socio -economic development, peace, security, health and humanitarian 
support programmes from the  United States.  
4.585.   Over the years, trade between Kenya and the United States has been increasing steadily. 
During the review period, total value of trade between Kenya and the United States was value at 
US$3.74 billion. The U.S. goods trade surplus with Kenya  was US$371 million in 2015 compared to 
US$679 million in 2014.  
4.586.   Kenya's main exports to the United States include articles of apparel and clothing 
accessories, coffee, tea, titanium ores, and concentrates while major imports include agricultural 
products, aircrafts, and machinery. It is worth noting that the United States investment in Kenya is 
primarily in commerce, light manufacturing, and the tourism industry. U.S. foreign direct 
investment (FDI) in Kenya (stock) was US$383 million in 2014, a 6% decrease  from 2013.  
4.587.   Kenya, once again, welcomes the efforts made by the United States in enhancing its 
overall economic growth and development and expresses our appreciation for their hard work in 
preparing for this review.  
CÔTE  D'IVOIRE  
4.588.   Depuis son accession à l'i ndépendance, la Côte d'Ivoire et les États -Unis d'Amérique 
entretiennent des relations de coopérations privilégiées. Après une légère stagnation au plan 
bilatéral en raison de la crise que notre pays a traversée, cette coopération connaît un regain de 
vitalité. 
4.589.   Cette reprise de coopération s'est traduite au plan économique et commercial par l'élection 
de la Côte d'Ivoire à la Loi sur la croissance et les opportunités en Afrique (AGOA) et son 
admission au Millennium Challenge Corporation  (MCC).  
4.590.   Mieux, cette reprise s'est manifestée également à travers le renforcement de la 
coopération avec l'USAID, coopération qui contribue à dynamiser les activités économiques en 
Côte d'Ivoire, en termes d'accroissement des exportations, de création d'emplois et 
d'investisse ments. De fait, le niveau des échanges commerciaux a atteint au premier semestre 
2016, 651,7 millions de dollars EU. Dans ce contexte, la Côte d'Ivoire se félicite et se réjouit de la WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  prorogation de l'AGOA jusqu'en 2025; toute chose qui permettrait à notre  pays de tirer davantage 
profit de cet instrument de coopération.  
4.591.   Au plan des transports aériens, l'on note la signature de l'accord "Open skies" qui va 
contribuer à l'amélioration des services de transport aérien entre nos deux pays. Au plan culturel, 
les programmes Humphrey et Fullbright qui octroient des bourses d'études et de recherches 
méritent d'être renforcés.  
4.592.   Au regard de l'importance de ces relations bilatérales multisectorielles, la délégation de 
Côte d'Ivoire ne peut que se réjouir des performanc es économiques des États -Unis d'Amérique, 
telles que présentées dans le rapport du Gouvernement et celui du Secrétariat de l'OMC. 
Performances qui impactent positivement aussi bien les économies des pays en développement 
que celles des pays développés.  
4.593.   La délégation de la Côte d'Ivoire s'associe à la déclaration du Royaume du Maroc au nom 
du Groupe africain.  
GEORGIA  
4.594.   I am delighted to stress that Georgia and the U.S. enjoy a close friendship and partnership 
across a range of issues based on shared values and  principles.  
4.595.   The close cooperation between our countries starts since Georgia's independence regained 
in 1991 and incorporates every sphere.  
4.596.   The bilateral trade has been steadily increasing in 2004 -2014 covering products such as 
vehicles, machinery, inorg anic chemicals, mineral fuel oil, iron and steel, fertilizers, wine, poultry 
and beverages. However the bilateral trade turnover has been decreasing over the past few years, 
which were mainly preconditioned by the global economic turbulences. We hope for t he 
improvement of the existing situation in coming years.  
4.597.   I would like to emphasize that Georgia has been the U.S. GSP beneficiary since 2001 under 
which the Georgian exporters are enabled to export to the U.S. up to 3500 thousand commodities 
under prefere ntial trade regime.  
4.598.   I would also like to stress that we highly value the format of High -Level Dialogue on Trade 
and Investment between our countries. This is clearly one of the best formats for achieving our 
strategic goals set out in our Strategic Partner ship Agreement. It is a good platform for further 
development of our economic ties.  
4.599.   Georgia appreciates U.S. continuous support to Georgia's economic revitalization. U.S. 
support to Georgia's EU aspiration and the implementation of the Association Agenda is extremely 
important and gives further streamline to this process.  
4.600.   Moreover, the Governments of two countries regularly consult with each other on issues of 
mutual importance and recognize the value of constant cooperation on multitude of issues. 
Therefo re, we appreciate the ongoing collaboration with the US.  
4.601.   In conclusion, I would like to underline that the Unites States is a valued partner for 
Georgia and we wish for the stronger economic cooperation and partnership and looking forward to 
continuing our  work with the U.S. to achieve the set goals.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE UNI TED STATES AND ADDIT IONAL 
COMMENTS  
5.1.  Thank you for joining us again today for the continuation of this 13th Trade Policy Review of 
the United States. And many thanks to al l of you for your very active participation during the first 
day of this review on Monday.  
5.2.  As mentioned in our opening statement on Monday, the United States regards this review as 
a valuable opportunity to listen to, and to learn from other Members, and t o take on board various 
perspectives on our nation's trade policies. Our experience on Monday confirmed the usefulness of 
that process. We appreciate the observations offered by nearly 60 Members, and the constructive 
spirit in which they were articulated.  
5.3.  As is the case with all Members experiencing this process, we, of course, fully expect criticism 
to be part of the picture of our TPR. And while we are not always able to respond as immediately 
or as fully as some of our partners would like, and while som etimes we disagree strongly with 
certain assertions or the premise of some comments, hearing from all of you makes a difference in 
the way we think about formulating our trade policies. We are also appreciative for the 
acknowledgment from so many of the fa ct that the United States maintains one of the most open 
economies in the world.   
5.4.  We hope that the massive effort we devoted to responding in writing to your many advance 
questions will prove useful. This morning I'd like to respond briefly to a few of th e more consistent 
themes we heard on Monday. What follows will not be a comprehensive response to every 
intervention or question, but I hope to provide some elaboration on our written responses to 
questions posed by Members.  
5.5.  Let me note at the outset how g ratified the United States is that we heard such consistent 
acknowledgments and expressions of appreciation for the commitment of the U.S. to the WTO, and 
for the importance of our leadership in this Institution. This recognition means a great deal to 
Amba ssador Froman and to all of us who work on trade policy as it relates to the WTO. The 
United  States is proud of the role we have played in creating a rules -based trading system that 
promotes enduring values and that has lifted hundreds of millions out of p overty.  
5.6.  We were very interested to hear many Members acknowledge, in their statements, the 
important role of plurilateral work in helping to advance prospects for a vibrant WTO. In particular, 
several Members expressed a strong desire to keep working to c onclude, successfully, the 
Environmental Goods Agreement and Trade in Services Agreement, goals that we share. We find 
these statements very encouraging. In our view, the sentiments expressed on Monday reflect the 
spirit of pragmatic multilateralism that i s critical to the future success and vibrancy of this 
institution.  
5.7.  As we look ahead to potential outcomes for MC11, the place where we see the most 
optimistic outlook is an ambitious outcome from the fish plurilateral discussions, and we took 
encouragemen t from the frequent references to this issue on Monday. Those working on it are 
committed to achieving a high standard agreement by MC11, and we look forward to continuing 
towards that objective.  
5.8.  Let me now turn briefly to a few specific themes raised on M onday.  
5.9.  Many of you asked the United States during this review about when we will submit our 2014 
Domestic Support notification. I am happy to report that we will submit the notification to the WTO 
later this week. While the full notification will be posted  on the WTO website, I can share with you 
today that our total AMS for 2014 is US$3.8 billion, which is about US$3 billion less than 2013 and 
significantly below our AMS ceiling of US$19.1 billion. We look forward to answering all of your 
questions in deta il at the March 2017 WTO Committee on Agriculture meeting.  
5.10.   Frankly, we were surprised to hear some question our record on transparency in the context 
of our 2014 Domestic Support notification. I will not claim we have a perfect record – no Member 
can. But fair-minded partners must distinguish between the circumstances driving the precise WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  timing of our notification, and the propensity of others — including some who commented on this 
Monday — to be years overdue on their notifications, without even the preten se of explanation.  
5.11.   The U.S. domestic support notification for 2014 covers the period 2014 -15. In some cases, 
payments were made in 2016 and final data are not available until mid -year or later. For example, 
we submitted our crop year 2013 notification in f all 2015. The complexity of the United States' 
DS:1 notification is unmatched. It includes more than 80 different commodities for which the value 
of production must be obtained. There are close to 50 measures notified in the green box alone, 
some of which are new or modified, as described in the United States' DS:2 notification.  
5.12.   In short, the U.S. remains committed to timely and transparent notification of farm 
programs to the WTO. We would note that many other WTO Members have not yet notified for 
2014, or  haven't submitted new notifications in several years. And here I am only talking about 
agriculture -specific notifications. We have repeatedly raised in the CTG and other committees the 
alarming lack of notifications by other Members in areas such as RTAs,  customs valuation, and 
fisheries subsidies.  
5.13.   Another question was raised regarding the United States' ability to implement the Nairobi 
Ministerial Decision on export competition, including export credits. The Farm Act of 2014 does not 
affect the ability of  the United States to implement the Nairobi decision. The United States has 
been operating in accordance with the elements of the Nairobi decision since prior to 
December  2015 and will continue to do so.  
5.14.   Some Members made observations about the duration of  U.S. antidumping orders. I would 
remind Members that, under U.S. law, sunset reviews are administrative and evidentiary processes 
that depend importantly on the participation of respondents. We have observed numerous 
instances in which respondents in U.S.  antidumping proceedings simply fail to participate in sunset 
reviews and have their orders continued, while those that do participate increase the likelihood of 
a different result. Therefore, rather than brand all orders with a duration in excess of some 
arbitrary threshold as "unfair," Members concerned about the duration of antidumping orders may 
wish to look for ways to remind interested stakeholders of the importance of active participation in 
the sunset review process.  
5.15.   More generally, a number of Memb ers raised concerns about increased usage of U.S. trade 
remedy procedures during the period under review.  
5.16.   From our perspective, these Members confound the remedy with a deeper and more 
worrying problem that the remedy aims to address. Injurious dumping an d subsidization — and 
the effects that the increasing prevalence of these practices have on the trading system — is a 
problem we all should be concerned about. Investigating and remedying these trade -distorting 
practices is specifically provided for under WTO rules, and the United States has continued to 
exercise this right in accordance with our WTO obligations. Under U.S. law, antidumping and 
countervailing duty investigations are initiated in response to a petition filed by domestic industry. 
The decisio n then to impose a measure is based on a factual determination of whether injurious 
dumping or countervailable subsidization exists. The determinations are made based on the 
gathered evidence pursuant to a transparent process, and are frequently tested in U.S. courts and 
in the WTO dispute settlement system.  
5.17.   To speak frankly, support in the United States for any future trade liberalization agenda will 
be on highly unstable ground if injurious dumping and subsidization are not met with effective and 
enforcea ble remedies, as provided for in existing agreements. Moreover, we note that increases in 
AD/CVD cases in recent years are far from a U.S. -only phenomenon, but a common trend among 
many WTO Members. It is important to put the recent increases in context. U .S. initiations of 
antidumping investigations during the 2014 -15 period represented 13% of all such initiations, and 
this is very close to the U.S. average of 11% since the WTO was established. Here again, 
perspective matters. While the U.S. accounted for 13% of all initiations during the period, nearly 
30% of all such investigations were initiated in response to trade from one Member - a large 
country in Asia. To the extent Members are concerned about the trends they observe, they should 
consider what is a ctually causing the trend. Systemic issues that create, sustain, and worsen 
excess capacity have brought on a global crisis in steel, aluminum and other industries, stemming 
in part from trade -distorting and market -distorting government policies and action s, including WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  subsidization. The United States would welcome a reversal of the trends that have been noted by 
Members, because it would signal that some fruit had come from efforts to get to the root of the 
problem, such as the efforts of the G20 and intere sted OECD members in the context of the Global 
Forum on Steel Excess Capacity.  
5.18.   We took careful note of interventions and questions from a number of Members regarding 
the Buy America provisions under U.S. law. We believe it might be helpful to remind our pa rtners 
of several facts. US$320 billion of U.S. federal and sub -federal government procurement are open 
to foreign competition under the combination of our GPA and FTA commitments. The value of 
these opportunities is significantly higher than the market ac cess provided by most other GPA 
parties and our trade partners, including those who raised concern with Buy America on Monday. 
Further, Buy America provisions are fully consistent with our GPA and FTA commitments.  
5.19.   The United States is a strong proponent of  the GPA, which advances several shared values 
— such as good governance, transparency, and predictability — while providing - on a reciprocal 
basis - commercially meaningful market access opportunities. To date, only 19 Parties covering 
47 Members have jo ined the agreement. We strongly encourage other Members to pursue 
accession. The revised GPA includes provisions to assist developing countries in their accession 
efforts, and we stand ready to work with those interested in harnessing the opportunities and  
benefits offered by the GPA.  
5.20.   We heard many comments on Day 1 and received many questions from Members regarding 
a recently published final rule of our National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) that 
is part of the broader U.S. Seafood Import M onitoring Program. This Program seeks to combat 
illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and seafood fraud, regardless of where the 
seafood was produced. The Program establishes certain permitting, data reporting, and 
record -keeping requirements regarding certain priority fish and fish products identified as being 
particularly vulnerable to IUU fishing and/or seafood fraud in order to help authorities verify that 
such products meet standards if sold in the United States. As such requirements are a lready in 
place for U.S. -produced seafood, this most recent rulemaking only addresses imports. However, in 
the few examples where U.S. -produced seafood are not already subject to such requirements, 
those requirements will not apply to imports. This is why the requirements for imported shrimp 
and abalone will not take effect on the same time frame as requirements for the other imported 
"priority" species.  
5.21.   Subject to the availability of resources, NOAA and the broader U.S. Government intend to 
provide assista nce to exporting nations and to domestic imports to support compliance with the 
requirements of the rule, including providing assistance to build capacity to: (1) undertake 
effective fisheries management; (2) strengthen fisheries governance structures and enforcement 
bodies to combat IUU fishing and seafood fraud; and (3) to establish, maintain, or support 
systems to enable export shipments of fish and fish products to be traced back to the point of 
harvest.  
5.22.   We also heard on Monday that the United States is  called upon to comply with the Nairobi 
Decision with respect to preferential rules of origin applicable to imports from LDCs under 
non-reciprocal preferential trade arrangements. This Decision requires preference -granting 
Members to inform the Committee o n Rules of Origin of the measures being taken to implement 
the Decision. The United States will inform the Committee in the coming days that it is 
implementing the Decision. In this regard, it is important not to overstate what was carefully 
negotiated and  agreed upon in Nairobi. While it was recognized that the LDCs seek consideration 
of use of value of non -originating materials to confer origin when preference programs are under 
review, the Decision made explicitly clear that "Preference -granting Members applying another 
method may continue to use it".  
5.23.   I would like to acknowledge, especially, the numerous statements of appreciation from 
developing country Members regarding U.S. preference programs, particularly the reauthorization 
of our GSP and AGOA progr ams, the extension of benefits for Haiti under the HOPE program, and 
tariff preferences extended to Nepal to help its recovery. In fact, the United States is pleased to 
announce that last week President Obama issued a proclamation to implement the tariff 
preferences for Nepal. The proclamation also modifies the harmonized tariff schedule to reflect the 
United States' decision to reinstate the Central African Republic as a beneficiary under AGOA. In 
this room on Monday, we were rightfully reminded that the n eeds and competitiveness of WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  developing countries, including the least advantaged among us, vary widely, and that a one -size 
fits all approach will not benefit all. U.S. preference programs, including our non -reciprocal 
preferences under AGOA, reflect that reality.  
5.24.   I have tried in this statement to touch on some of the themes that were most consistent in 
the written questions and verbal interventions made during this review. I recognize that I have not 
been able to touch on the many dozens of issues raised by Members. I would like to reassure the 
Membership that the United States has taken careful note of every single question and issue raised 
during this TPR, including, to name just a few, trade facilitation measures, intellectual property 
rights, and a ran ge of issues related to the regulation of telecommunications, financial, transport, 
and other services sectors.  
5.25.   Madam Chair, the United States approaches the end of this review with a certain measure of 
relief, which is a sentiment I'm sure all Members can  appreciate. The TPR is a rigorous and 
demanding process. It is an enormous amount of work for big and small Members alike. It is also 
immeasurably worthwhile, and represents one of the most valuable innovations of this important 
institution.  
5.26.   I'd like to c lose by extending the warm thanks of all of our team – including the hundreds of 
colleagues across the scope of our Government in Washington – who participated in responding to 
your questions. We deeply appreciate the serious engagement of all of you, and we are grateful for 
the role of the Secretariat, the Chair, and our discussant in shepherding us through this process. 
Thank you.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.27.   Thank you Irene for giving me the floor again today. I spoke at length on Monday so I will 
only make six brief comm ents today.  
5.28.   First of all, since a few delegations came up to me on Monday expressing concern about the 
diplomatic incident between the U.S. and Sweden regarding the Nobel Prize, I just wanted to 
clarify that was indeed a joke. We're fine with Bob Dylan not  showing up. A little hurt maybe, but 
fine. 
5.29.   Second, I want to thank Michael and his team for their herculean effort to answer all these 
questions. I know that some of you might not necessarily be happy with the answers you got and 
agree with everything, bu t from what I've heard more or less all questions got an answer, which is 
a huge effort for the U.S. team to undertake.  
5.30.   Third, there was an exchange on Monday between the U.S. and China on defining 
importance in terms of TPR questions per capita. I think M ichael introduced that idea. I just 
wanted to say that last year I was a discussant for Cabo Verde, and in terms of questions per 
capita, they easily beat both of you. So you might want to be careful with that concept.  
5.31.   Fourth, if anyone would ever doubt U .S. important role for world trade I think an exercise 
like this proves the opposite. Basically, all countries in this room have trade relations with the 
U.S., and for a large number this relationship is absolutely critical. Behind this fact, we can also 
understand that when the U.S. do apply measures that are trade restrictive, the negative effects 
can be substantial for many countries.  
5.32.   Fifth, after going through the reports, questions and some additional information on U.S. 
trade policy, a personal reflec tion is that some of the most contentious issues are related to 
legislation that has been in place for a long time, there are a few examples that have been in force 
for almost a century. This means that a number of U.S. administrations have decided to keep  
these legislations. In some cases possibly because they felt the legislation brought value to the 
U.S. In other cases perhaps because the political situation did not allow for changes. Issues that 
could be interesting to discuss within the framework of fu ture U.S. TPRs are under what 
circumstances more substantial reforms could be possible. Could there be a role for the 
multilateral in that context? And related to that, if reforms of certain legislations are not likely, 
what could be done to mitigate the n egative effects on trade? Many times, increased transparency 
and accessibility of information could go a long way.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  5.33.   Lastly, a few Members of the U.S. delegation suggested to me on Monday that if I did a 
filibuster today and spoke for roughly 18 hours, Mich ael would miss his flight home and would 
have to stay in Geneva. It was suggested that I might read out loud all of the 13 TPRs the U.S. 
have gone through. I politely declined, but it is clear Michael that your delegation is going to miss 
you, and so will the rest of us in Geneva. Thank you.  
JORDAN  
5.34.   The reports provide valuable information for the period under review and reveal positive 
indicators in many aspects. They highlight the solid U.S. trade policy towards global trade 
openness and economic growth, w hich is translated in the active and continuous engagement of 
the United States in negotiations within the WTO framework, as well as in regional, international or 
plurilateral arenas.  
5.35.   The longstanding relationship between Jordan and the United States of Am erica is a 
testimonial for this in all fields of cooperation, including the excellent economic and trade relations.  
5.36.   This deeply -rooted relation witnessed many milestones, most importantly the bilateral Free 
Trade Agreement which proved to be a success stor y in international relations and allowed for 
smooth flow of trade and investment.  
5.37.   Jordanian exports to the United States grew dramatically from US$63 million in the year 
2000 to exceed US$1.4 billion in 2015, and on the other side, Jordan's imports from th e United 
States have also increased from US$306 million to US$1.2 billion during the same period.  
5.38.   The United States is a major trading partner for Jordan and we believe that many potential 
are still ahead of us; whether on bilateral or multilateral levels.  
5.39.   Finally, Jordan congratulates the U.S. Government and the business society for their efforts 
and valuable contribution in the world trade hand in hand with other trading partners. We would 
like to wish you more prosperity and a fruitful and successful Tra de Policy Review.  
JAMAICA  
5.40.   The United States is Jamaica's main trading partner, accounting for just over 34.8% of 
Jamaica's total merchandise trade in 2015. In fact, Jamaica benefits from a longstanding trading 
relationship with the U.S., through which the country exports a range of traditional and non -
traditional products, duty -free to the U.S. market; primarily under the Caribbean Basin Initiative 
(CBI), which is a unilateral preferential arrangement for countries in the Caribbean Basin. Jamaica 
also trade s with the U.S. under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Scheme and at the 
WTO MFN level.  
5.41.   In recent years, Jamaica's main categories of exports to the U.S. have included mineral 
fuels, lubricants and related materials; inedible crude materials (ex cept fuels); chemicals and 
other related products; food and live animals; beverages (i.e. aerated water, soy milk, vermouth, 
rum and other spirits) and tobacco. Jamaica's main imports from the U.S. have included mineral 
fuels, lubricants and related materi als; chemicals and related products; machinery and transport 
equipment; manufactured goods, inedible crude materials (except fuel).  
5.42.   Over the years, relevant ministries, agencies and private sector organizations, including the 
Jamaica Exporters' Association  (JEA) and the American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica 
(AMCHAM), continue to work closely with the U.S., through the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, to 
provide information to the local private sector about the opportunities for exporting to the U.S. 
market under  the CBI.  
5.43.   The President of the United States, Barack Obama, paid an official two -day visit to Jamaica 
on 8-9 April 2015. The visit presented an opportunity for Jamaica and other CARICOM countries to 
discuss a wide range of issues relating to our relationsh ip with the U.S. both at the bilateral and 
regional levels. During his visit, President Obama held bilateral talks with the then Prime Minister, 
the Most Honorable Simpson Miller and met with the Heads of Government of CARICOM Member WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  States. At both meetin gs, trade and trade -related issues relating to the CBI, competitiveness and 
energy were discussed.  
5.44.   With regards to energy, President Obama announced a US$20 million facility to encourage 
investment in clean energy projects in the Caribbean and Central Amer ica, reinforcing the U.S.' 
keen interest in working with Jamaica and CARICOM on alternative sources of energy. At the 
bilateral level, a Letter of Intent was signed on 9 Aprils 2015 between Jamaica and the U.S. to 
facilitate collaboration on alternative so urces of energy. Since April 2015, a number of initiatives 
have been undertaken, such as the convening of the U.S. Caribbean Central American Energy 
Summit in May 2016 at which the report of the Task Force on Energy Security was launched. The 
report recomm ends, inter alia , the establishment of a priority list of clean energy projects and the 
continued advancement of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy Roadmap and Strategy (C -SERMS) 
Platform, which aims to develop a sustainable approach toward regional energy p lanning, 
management and implementation.  
5.45.   The U.S./CARICOM Trade and Investment Council (TIC) provides the forum within which 
issues on the bilateral trade and economic agenda are discussed. The 7th meeting of the TIC was 
held in May 2016 in Washington D.C.,  at which a range of issues were examined. CARICOM used 
the opportunity to address the matter of the negative impact of correspondent banking and de -
risking on the economies of the Caribbean, including Jamaica. The closure of correspondent 
banking accounts  presents a tangible threat to the region's economic stability and capacity to 
remain properly integrated into the global financial and economic systems, particularly at a time 
when they are still recovering from the 2008 global financial and economic cris es. As financial 
institutions close the correspondent accounts of foreign banks, they effectively reduce or cut off 
access to the currencies required to conduct international trade an enable international 
investment. Jamaica, along with its CARICOM partner s, is committed to continue de dialogue with 
the U.S. and other international partners on possible solutions to this issue.  
5.46.   Indeed, Jamaica's focus remains on strengthening its trading relations with the 
United  States in the coming years.  
URUGUAY  
5.47.   En el per íodo objeto de examen como con anterioridad, Uruguay mantuvo amistosas y 
constructivas relaciones con los Estados Unidos de América, tanto en el plano político como en el 
económico. Asimismo, Uruguay continuó abocado a la profundización de los espacios de 
cooperación comercial, tecnológica, social, cultural con dicho país.  
5.48.   Estados Unidos es un socio comercial muy importante para el Uruguay. La relación 
comercial entre ambos países se ha fortalecido desde el último examen: las exportaciones a los 
Estados Uni dos durante el año 2015 crecieron 42% con respecto a 2014, convirtiéndose en el 
tercer destino de exportación en el año 2015.  
5.49.   Este crecimiento no se explica solo por crecientes colocaciones de carne bovina, sino 
también por el impulse de nuevos productos d e exportación como celulosa, los cítricos, 
instrumentos de óptica, pieles y cueros. De hecho, Estados Unidos se posicionó en 2015 como el 
primer destino de las exportaciones de cítricos (clementinas) frutas no cítricas y miel.  
5.50.   Estos avances han estado apun talados por el diálogo bilateral en buena medida por el 
Acuerdo Marco de Comercio e Inversiones con los Estados Unidos (TIFA), que abrió posibilidades 
de intercambio y cooperación en temas fitosanitarios, fortaleciendo las corrientes comerciales 
entre ambo s países.  
5.51.   Al respecto, el 11 de mayo de 2016, se celebró la VII Reunión del Consejo de dicho 
Acuerdo, durante la cual se revisó la evolución de varios temas comerciales y de inversión, tales 
como la facilitación del comercio, el desarrollo de las micro, pe queñas y medianas empresas (MIP 
y MES) y el acceso a mercados.  
5.52.   Estados Unidos fue el cuarto origen de las importaciones uruguayas en 2015. Se destacan 
las compras de insumos para generadores de energía eólica, contextualizados en una política WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  nacional de d esarrollo de energías renovables, y otros productos de alto valor agregado como 
teléfonos.  
5.53.   Uruguay puede aumentar sus ventas a Estados Unidos en productos alimenticios de alta 
calidad, bebidas, sustancias y productos químicos y textiles en particular de la na fina.  
5.54.   En el comercio de servicios, Estados Unidos es uno de los principales mercados de destino 
de la industria uruguaya de tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TICs), la cual ha tenido 
un crecimiento sostenido en la última década, manteniendo su perfil exportador y posicionándose 
a nivel internacional como un exponente de la industria del software. Uruguay es actualmente un 
fuerte exportados de TICs en Latinoamérica y ocupando el tercer lugar en la región en términos 
absolutos.  
5.55.   Estados Unidos j uega un papel fundamental en la economía y el comercio internacionales. 
Es además un protagonista esencial en las negociaciones multilaterales y en especial en la 
negociación en agricultura con vista a la próxima conferencia ministerial en Buenos Aires. El  
liderazgo de Estados Unidos en la OMC es fundamental para el sistema multilateral de comercio y 
por lo tanto Estados Unidos debería seguir insistiendo en resultados concretos y sustantivos en el 
pilar negociador de la OMC.  
5.56.   Por otro lado, es importante que  Estados Unidos tenga en cuenta las negociaciones 
multilaterales en agricultura en la elaboración del próximo Farm Bill.  
5.57.   Estados Unidos ha sido un promotor importante de acuerdos regionales y los llamados mega 
acuerdos, pero también debe estar en el centro  de sus prioridades de política comercial, la 
preservación del sistema multilateral y la institución principal que es la OMC.  
ROYAUME  DU MAROC  AU NOM  DU GROUPE  AFRICAIN  
5.58.   C'est pour le Groupe africain un immense plaisir de participer aujourd'hui au treizième  
Examen des politiques commerciales des États -Unis. 
5.59.   Il est évident que les États -Unis est l'une des économies et des nations commerçantes les 
plus importantes au monde. Elles sont le premier importateur et le deuxième exportateur mondial 
de marchandises et  de services avec une offre exportable très diversifiée.  
5.60.   Les États -Unis sont aussi un Membre originel de l'OMC et le Groupe africain voudrait les 
remercier pour leur rôle actif dans le système commercial multilatéral, notamment dans le 
domaine de l'assista nce financière et technique, y compris leur aide publique au développement, 
leurs diverses initiatives régionales sur le coopération économique et leur contribution à l'Aide pour 
le commerce, reconnaissant que l'intégration des pays en développement, en pa rticulier les pays 
les moins avancés dans le système commercial multilatéral est l'une des missions essentielles de 
l'OMC.  
5.61.   Le Groupe africain souhaiterait également remercier les États -Unis pour ses préférences 
unilatérales au titre du Système généralisé d e préférences (SGP), et également pour la loi sur la 
croissance et les perspectives économiques de l'Afrique (AGOA). Ce dernier accord liant les 
États-Unis et l'Afrique et étant la pierre angulaire de l'engagement entre les États -Unis et l'Afrique 
en matiè re de commerce et d'investissement depuis qu'il a été promulgué en 2000 et prolongé 
jusqu'en 2025 par la Trade Extension Act de 2015.  
5.62.   En donnant aux pays d'Afrique sub -saharienne un accès en franchise aux marchés des 
États-Unis pour certains produits, y co mpris les textiles, l'AGOA contribue en effet à élargir et à 
diversifier le commerce bilatéral États -Unis-Afrique sub -saharienne. L'impact sur l'industrie de 
l'habillement en Afrique est positif et les usines de textile sont en train de se développer dans 
toute la région.  
5.63.   Toutefois, l'avenir de l'industrie du textile reste incertain, en ce qu'il soit menacé par la 
probabilité que l'Accord de partenariat Trans pacifique qui prévoit les mêmes avantages aux 
concurrents africains ailleurs.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  5.64.   Le Groupe africain so uhaite complimenter les États -Unis pour les diverses initiatives qu'elles 
ont lancées dans le dessein de la coopération économique et régionale en Afrique. Leur 
contribution à l'Aide pour le commerce est indéniable et leur acquis est conséquent. Je dis cec i en 
pensant à la Millennium Challenge Corporation, à la TCB Initiatives pour l'Afrique et au Trade 
Africa, pour ne citer que quelques exemples.  
5.65.   En ce qui concerne le coton, il convient d'apprécier l'aide qu'apporte l'USDA qui apporte 
également un soutien au secteur cotonnier de l'Afrique de l'ouest par le biais de son programme 
Food for Progress, qui encourage le développement du secteur agricole et le développement du 
marché, ainsi que par le biais de ses programmes de recherche et d'échange. Les aspects 
commerciaux, de développement et de réforme du coton demeurent toutefois préoccupants.  
5.66.   Avant de conclure, il convient de noter que malgré les nombreux avantages existants dans 
le cadre de la coopération entre l'Afrique et les États -Unis, les investissement s américains dans le 
continent restent en deçà du potentiel. En effet, la place de l'Afrique dans l'investissement 
américain à l'étranger est faible, représentant à peine 0,7% du total des capitaux américains 
investis dans le monde, ce qui représente une p art minime surtout dans un marché en émergence.  
ROYAUME  DU MAROC  
5.67.   Le Maroc entretient avec les États -Unis une relation spéciale de très longue date. Le Maroc a 
reconnu les États -Unis d'Amérique dès 1777, et des relations diplomatiques formelles entre les 
deux États ont été établies dès 1787.  
5.68.   De même, la signature d'un Accord de libre -échange, l'octroi au Maroc du Statut d'allié 
stratégique non membre de l'OTAN, l'éligibilité au financement du Millennium Challenge Account 
(MCA) ont donné un élan particulier a u développement des relations bilatérales.  
5.69.   Les relations économiques et commerciales, elles, ont été rehaussées par l'ALE de 2004 qui 
est entrée en vigueur en 2006. Cet accord a permis d'éliminer les droits de douane sur plus de 
95% des biens échangés entr e les deux pays, et d'ouvrir la voie à de nouvelles opportunités pour 
le commerce et les investissements, Toutefois, il est à signaler que malgré ces évolutions, les flux 
échangés entre les deux pays restent très faibles compte tenu du potentiel.  
5.70.   Nous nous  félicitons de l'impact positif de ce programme américain présent dans 38 pays en 
développement avec l'objectif de réduire la pauvreté à travers la croissance économique, 
l'amélioration des revenus, l'augmentation de la productivité et la création d'emploi  au niveau des 
zones ciblées.  
5.71.   Au niveau des investissements américains au Maroc, l'année 2016 a été marquée par 
l'implantation de l'avionneur américain Boeing en force au Maroc, avec la création d'une zone 
industrielle spécialisée pour ses sous -traitants d ans la région de Tanger, dans le nord du pays et 
avec la signature du protocole d'accord pour la création d'un écosystème industriel de Boeing au 
Maroc.  
5.72.   La tenue de la troisième édition du Forum Maroc -États-Unis pour le commerce et 
l'investissement, organi sé conjointement en octobre dernier à Seattle est une bonne initiative pour 
promouvoir les opportunités d'investissements et de partenariats qu'offre le Royaume, notamment 
dans les secteurs de l'aéronautique.  
5.73.   Nous nous félicitons également de la stratégie de développement de l'Agence américaine 
pour le développement international pour la période 2013 -2017 qui va dans le sens des objectifs 
de réforme du Royaume.  
5.74.   Enfin, permettez -moi de souligner que le Royaume du Maroc valorise ses relations d'amitiés 
et de coopération avec les États -Unis et que c'est dans cet esprit -là que le Maroc a soumis, par 
votre biais, les questions écrites de Rabat à ce pays ami et partenaire. Ces questions concernent 
les politiques et les pratiques commerciales, les prescriptions san itaires et phytosanitaires, les 
normes et descriptions techniques, l'assurance et garantie à l'exportation, ainsi que la loi 2014 
portant l'agriculture.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  5.75.   Ceci dit, il ne me reste plus qu'à féliciter les États -Unis pour leur nouveau Président et 
Gouvernement , en émettant le vœu de continuer à témoigner le même dynamisme habituel au 
sein du commerce multilatéral.  
HONDURAS  
5.76.   Las relaciones entre Honduras y Estados Unidos datan desde antes de la independencia de 
Honduras, pero no es sino hasta 1830, que se ven ofi cialmente establecidas y comprenden un 
amplio e intenso espectro de intercambios, tratados, pactos políticos, diplomáticos, económicos y 
culturales, entre otros. Es de hacer notar que las relaciones entre ambos países nunca se han visto 
interrumpidas, y po r el contrario se han fortalecido y consolidado a lo largo del tiempo.  
5.77.   Producto de lo anterior, Estados Unidos, representa para nuestro país, nuestro principal 
socio comercial, constituyendo el mercado principal para nuestras exportaciones y éste ha sido e l 
caso desde la entrada vigor del Acuerdo del Libre Comercio (CAFTA -DR) que absorbieron 
1,104.9  millones de dólares EE.UU., equivalente al 37,3% del monto total, destacando productos 
como banano, café, oro, accesorios usados de oro, legumbres y hortalizas y melones y sandías 
entre otros.  
5.78.   Igualmente al tercer trimestre de 2016, el principal proveedor de mercancías generales 
continuó siendo los EUA, desde donde provino el 33,6% (2,208.2 millones de dólares EE.UU.) del 
total. Los artículos más demandados desde  dicho país fueron combustibles, trigo, maíz amarillo 
para concentrados, vehículos, artículos de prendería, maquinaria y materias primas para la 
industria.  
5.79.   En 2015, las exportaciones de bienes para transformación (maquila) sumaron 
4,086.7  millones de dólar es EE.UU., en productos textiles, la cual se incrementó en 2,7%, respecto 
al año anterior, influenciada por la demanda del mercado de los EUA y por su parte, el valor 
exportado de partes eléctricas y arneses creció 1,2%, hacia el mismo mercado.  
5.80.   Es importan te destacar que el CAFTA -DR representa el tercer mayor mercado de 
exportación en América Latina para los Estados Unidos, por detrás de Brasil y México, y el décimo 
cuarto mercado más grande de exportación en el mundo.  
5.81.   En el año 2015, la inversión extranje ra directa de Estados Unidos de Norteamérica en 
Honduras, la cual está básicamente concentrada en el sector de la manufactura ligera fue de 
1.2 billones de dólares EE.UU. y se incrementó en un 58,6% respecto al año anterior. Más de 
200 compañías norteameri canas están operando en Honduras y al III Trimestre de 2016, los flujos 
provenientes de Norteamérica (315.2 millones de dólares EE.UU.) constituyeron 34.1% del total, 
inversiones que fueron orientadas principalmente al rubro de maquila y comunicaciones.  
5.82.   En otro orden de ideas, y de acuerdo al Informe Puertas Abiertas sobre el Intercambio 
Educativo Internacional 2016, se ha podido observar que el número de estudiantes hondureños 
matriculados en instituciones de educación superior en los Estados Unidos aument ó en un 12,8%, 
para alcanzar la cantidad de 1,985 estudiantes, observando el mayor porcentaje de aumento en 
todo México y Centroamérica, lo cual no solamente beneficia a los estudiantes y maestros 
involucrados directamente, también contribuyen al desarroll o a largo plazo de Honduras y de los 
Estados Unidos, y fortalece los vínculos de respeto y amistad entre nuestros dos países.  
5.83.   En agosto, el Departamento de Estado de los Estados Unidos aprobó una donación para que 
la Universidad Nacional de Agricultura y l a Universidad Estatal de Luisiana instituyan un programa 
de estudios en el exterior para que estudiantes de ambas instituciones puedan recibir créditos para 
completar sus estudios, por lo que aprovechamos esta oportunidad para ofrecer nuestra gratitud 
por este tipo de iniciativas que fortalecen el desarrollo profesional.  
5.84.   Del informe de la Secretaría, se pone de manifiesto que en Estados Unidos el PIB Real 
continuó aumentando, a una tasa anual del 2,4% en 2014 y del 2,6% en 2015 y que el 
crecimiento del cons umo privado ha sido sólido y la tasa de desempleo ha seguido reduciéndose, 
del 10% en 2009 a menos del 5% en la actualidad.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  5.85.   Destacamos la adopción de políticas para el fortalecimiento del mercado de trabajo y el 
crecimiento del ingreso personal, junto con  el descenso de los precios de la energía y la baja 
inflación que se ha mantenido por debajo del objetivo a largo plazo del 2% establecido por la 
Reserva Federal, lo cual han reforzado el poder adquisitivo de los consumidores.  
5.86.   Resaltamos que el Comercio Tr ansfronterizo de Servicios Comerciales de los Estados Unidos, 
registra tradicionalmente un superávit, que es especialmente importante en sectores tales como 
los servicios financieros y el transporte, así como en los cargos por el uso de propiedad intelectu al. 
5.87.   Acentuamos que las exportaciones estadounidenses de petróleo crudo aumentaron un 9% 
en los cinco primeros meses de 2016 en comparación con el mismo período de 2015.  
5.88.   Observamos la labor del Comité de Coordinación para la Promoción del Comercio (TPCC), 
que abarca 20 organismos federales con programas relacionados con la exportación, siendo este el 
principal órgano gubernamental para la coordinación de las actividades de promoción y 
financiación de las exportaciones y estaremos atentos a la publicación del  nuevo informe NES.  
5.89.   En el tema de políticas de la competencia, resaltamos las actividades de la FTC labor en el 
ejercicio fiscal de 2015, destinadas a hacer cumplir la ley de competencia los que se tradujeron en 
un ahorro estimado de 3.400 millones de dóla res EE.UU. para los consumidores estadounidenses 
así como los esfuerzos realizados por dicha Comisión para vigilar aquellas conductas 
anticompetitivas que puedan elevar los costos o reducir las opciones de que disponen los 
consumidores, incluidas las condu ctas excluyentes de un monopolio en el mercado interno de 
accesorios para tuberías entre otros.  
5.90.   Finalmente, Honduras felicita a los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica por sus importantes 
logros durante el período de examen y les deseamos el mayor de los éxitos  en la presentación de 
su decimotercer Examen de Políticas Comerciales.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
5.91.   The European Union would like to thank the delegation of the United States for the replies 
provided to our advance written questions and for the replies provided on Mond ay morning. We 
regret though the U.S. did not adopt the alternative time -frame for this review which would have 
given us more time to study the replies in advance of the meeting and would thus allow for more 
interaction.  
5.92.   Based on the discussions on Monday,  as well as the interventions we heard this morning, we 
heard the statements made about the crucial leadership role that the U.S. has played in the 
development of rules -based trading system and in WTO outcomes. Members were also expressing 
their hope that the U.S. would renew its commitment to the multilateral trading system in the near 
future.  
5.93.   At the same time, we heard concerns on certain trade policy measures the U.S. is applying, 
on issues such as trade facilitation, public procurement, SPS procedures,  standards and trade 
remedy.  
5.94.   Replies were received on our questions but we are seeking additional clarifications from the 
U.S. in areas like public procurement, SPS and telecommunication through our follow -up 
questions. We look forward to these further re plies by the U.S. within the time -frame established 
to that effect.  
5.95.   Finally, as comments already made in the General Council, let me repeat just a few words of 
gratitude to Ambassador Michael Punke as this is probably our last official meeting. Many thanks  to 
you and your team for the great work you put into this Organization. The world is going through a 
difficult period that is far from over, and you leave the WTO a better place than it was. And best of 
luck in your job and satisfaction for the next chapt er in what is already a remarkable career. Thank 
you. WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  JAPAN  
5.96.   Let me thank the United States' delegation for providing us with a useful oral explanation 
and informative written responses regarding our concerns. We would also like to express our 
appreciation  for the helpful remarks and comments from the discussant.  
5.97.   Japan has carefully read the answers provided by the United States to our written questions 
and has submitted some follow -up questions in written form. We are looking forward to receiving 
answers t o these questions in due course.  
5.98.   Finally, I would like to point out that the United States, as a great leader among the WTO 
Members, has committed to enhance a further fair, free and open trade environment. Japan is 
willing to work closely with the United States together with other Members to keep moving forward 
to promote a rules -based multilateral trading system and to ensure its full implementation through 
the WTO.  
CHINA  
5.99.   China's delegation would like to thank Ambassador Punke and the U.S. delegation for the 
responses just provided as well as the written answers to the questions raised by our delegation. 
We also thank discussant Ambassador Blockert for his insightful comments.  
5.100.   While it will take some time for us to digest the information contained in the d ocuments 
that we received from our U.S. colleagues, we certainly looked into those that we are mostly 
concerned with and, on that, our delegation would like to briefly make some follow -up comments.  
5.101.   Firstly, the U.S. said in the replies that they disagree w ith China's categorization as to the 
effect of the specific provision in China's Accession Protocol. Under this vitally important issue 
where Members should all honour their commitment and deliver their obligations up to expiration 
of the long 15 years, Ch ina will protect our legitimate rights and interests firmly through all means 
available in this Organization.  
5.102.   Secondly, in the replies to our questions concerning several U.S. reviews, the explanation 
given by the U.S. colleagues for, for example, potentia l reasons and national security reasons 
remain vague and unconvincing. While investment from China only accounts for less than 1% of 
total foreign investment inflow into the U.S., China in recently years has ranked first among all 
nations subject to this r eview, which is not a good signal for potential investors in China. We, 
therefore, urge the U.S. to provide investors from China a fair, transparent and predicable 
investment environment.  
5.103.   Thirdly, on trade remedies, we take note of the U.S. replies that it  will impose an 
anti-dumping or countervailing duty measure as applicable and as permitted under the rules. In 
this regard, we hope that the U.S. will faithfully implement the rulings by the WTO Dispute 
Settlement, Panels and Appellate Body in serious case s, including, for example, DS379, DS437 and 
DS449, etc.  
5.104.   That said, our delegation would like to reiterate the great importance that we attach to our 
economic and trade relations with the U.S. China and the United States jointly have built a mature 
relation ship sensibly and successfully during President Obama's Administration in the benefits of 
businesses and peoples of our two countries. We are willing and ready to further develop this 
relationship with the new U.S. Administration both bilaterally and withi n this Organization.  
5.105.   Finally, our delegation wishes Ambassador Punke and members of the U.S. delegation a 
Merry Christmas and happy holiday, and we wish Ambassador Punke all the best in his future 
endeavours.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This Tr ade Policy Review has been a very useful opportunity for Members to understand the 
economic, trade, and investment policies of the United States. I would like to thank the delegation 
led by Ambassador Michael Punke, our discussant, Ambassador Daniel Blocke rt, and the more than 
60 delegations that had either taken the floor or had shared their written statements with us, for 
their valuable contributions.  
6.2.  For many years, the United States had stood by its commitment to open and liberal trade and 
investment po licies. These policies had helped its economy recover from the deep recession since 
2008. During this review period, their benefits had become even more evident. Robust private 
consumption and investment growth had underpinned continuous economic expansion , and steady 
job creation had allowed unemployment to be halved since its peak in the financial crisis. The 
United States remains the world's top importer and second largest exporter of goods and services, 
and is the number one destination for foreign dire ct investment.  
6.3.  Several Members pointed out that globalization had enabled many countries to pursue 
development through trade. In this connection, the importance of the United States' unilateral 
trade preferences was highlighted in many interventions, as Me mbers welcomed the 
reauthorization of the US' Generalized System of Preferences and the extension of the African 
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2015. The United States was also encouraged to work on 
the simplification of rules of origin in line with the Nairobi Decision in favour of the LDCs.  
6.4.  The prompt ratification of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in early 2015 by the 
United  States was universally welcome. Recognition was also given to the single window 
International Trade Data System (ITDS)  which would be fully implemented by the end of this year. 
Members were well aware of the U.S.' security concerns and its desire to put in place necessary 
import controls, but they were of the view that a balance should be struck between the promotion 
of trade flows and security, and that measures at the border should be proportionate to the risks. 
Unnecessarily cumbersome requirements restrict trade and create high compliance costs, and 
these costs will ultimately be borne by the United States industries a nd consumers.  
6.5.  The openness of the US trade regime for goods is evident in the generally low tariffs. Nearly 
70% of all imports entered duty free in 2015, and the trade -weighted average tariff is 1.5% on an 
applied basis; or 3.5% if we consider the simple ( unweighted) average tariff. Nevertheless, some 
Members noted that tariff peaks remained on goods of significant export interest to them, notably 
in textiles and clothing, and on certain agricultural products.  
6.6.  Although trade defensive instruments are legiti mate measures within the WTO framework, 
many Members stressed, once again, that the United States was a particularly active user of 
antidumping and countervailing measures, that certain methodologies applied by the United States 
were disputed, and that the  continued extension of such measures in many cases were perceived 
as unwarranted. The United States explained that, as permitted under WTO rules, the decision to 
impose a measure was based on factual determination of whether dumping or countervailable 
subsidies existed, and whether such dumped or subsidized imports had caused, or had threatened 
to cause, material injury to its domestic industry.  
6.7.  As to non -tariff measures, some Members appreciated working with the United States 
through initiatives such as the "Standards Alliance" to ensure broad and effective implementation 
of WTO obligations related to technical barriers to trade. However, some other Members perceived 
that a lack of information about standards and technical requirements at federal and sub -federal 
levels in the United States acted as barriers for exporting companies. They suggested that the 
creation of a single point of information could help both the United States and foreign operators 
overcome the existing information gap. On this issue, M embers were informed that the U.S. 
federal agencies were barred from engaging in any standards -related activity that created 
unnecessary obstacles to foreign commerce, and that in applying standards, imports must be 
treated no less favourably than like dom estic products.  
6.8.  Concerning sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, while Members generally supported 
and understood the United States' efforts to modernize its food safety system, some Members felt 
that the burdensome new requirements regarding verifica tion, certification, audit and inspection WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  had become undue barriers to trade. Specific concerns were also expressed regarding inspection 
procedures for certain fish products and the establishment of maximum residue limits (i.e. 
tolerances) for food. Commen ting on the United States' new measures to address concerns 
regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, in particular the introduction of 
traceability requirements for seafood, some Members stressed that such measures should be 
consistent with WTO rules and based on objective risk analysis. They were informed by the 
United  States that its policy was to secure more open and equitable market access through robust 
rules on SPS measures that encouraged the adoption of international standards an d required 
provision of science -based justifications.  
6.9.  In the examination of government procurement policies, and also in relation to trade in 
certain services, Members were concerned about the prevalence of Buy America legislation at 
federal and state leve ls and related local content provisions. It was pointed out that such 
requirements were impediments to efficient cross -border supply chains, for example, in the 
transportation, infrastructure and water supply sectors. The United States stressed that it was  a 
strong supporter of the Government Procurement Agreement, and that its domestic policies were 
fully compliant with the Agreement. While the Federal Government did not regulate procurement 
by the states, the federal procurement system was transparent wit h real time information. As 
regards the services sectors, Members acknowledged the openness of most of these sectors in the 
United States, but they once again encouraged the authorities to address inefficiencies stemming 
from restrictive maritime services and cabotage regulations, and foreign investment restrictions in 
the air transportation sector.  
6.10.   The 2014 Farm Act continued to be a subject that attracted many Members' attention. In 
particular, the United States was urged to provide more timely notificat ions of its domestic support 
to the WTO – which, we are pleased to note, will be submitted later this week. It was pointed out 
that the high subsidies the United States provided for products such as soybeans, cotton, sugar, 
and dairy had had a negative imp act on more competitive producers. Other specific questions were 
raised regarding the credit mechanism for agricultural exports and the recent use of special 
safeguards on imports.  
6.11.   In the area of intellectual property, Members showed interest in the recent  patent reform, 
the new trade secrets law, and the level of protection for geographical indications.  
6.12.   In this review, the United States had received more than 1,600 advance written questions, 
and it has already responded to most of them. In a month's time, Members should receive the few 
outstanding replies, which will then mark the successful conclusion of this TPR.  
6.13.   I cannot conclude this meeting, however, without reflecting on the United States' 
long-standing commitment to the multilateral trading system, a nd its leadership in the WTO which 
has shaped many of our trade rules as we know today.  
6.14.   The new Trade Promotion Authority granted to the United States administration in 2015 has 
allowed it to successfully pursue the expanded Information Technology Agreemen t, advance 
negotiations on an Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), and most recently to launch 
plurilateral negotiations to discipline the use of fisheries subsidies. The United States is currently 
involved in multiple trade negotiations both within and ou tside the WTO framework. Many 
Members said they hoped the United States would continue to show leadership in liberalizing 
global trade.  
6.15.   I echo the sentiment expressed by many Members, that in the face of persistent anti -trade 
rhetoric, it is very important  that the benefits of open markets are understood and the value of our 
multilateral trading system appreciated. Ambassador Punke has been referring to "pragmatic 
multilateralism". I hope this idea will help the United States and other WTO Members stay 
constructively engaged as we explore common interests and prepare for a fruitful outcome at the 
11th Ministerial Conference.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  7  ADOPTION OF THE REPO RT OF THE SIXTH APPR AISAL OF THE TPRM  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.1.  With these remarks, I would now like to move to the second point  of the agenda: the 
adoption of the Report of the Sixth Appraisal of the TPRM, which is contained in documents 
WT/TPR/W/118 and WT/TPR/W/118/Corr.1. These documents were circulated to Members on the 
2nd and the 6th of December, respectively, and I am pleas ed to report that no Members have raised 
any comments by the deadline of the 12th of December.  
INDIA  
7.2.  We would like to seek clarification with reference to paragraph 2.10, point (2) on page 3 that 
the Secretariat will not insist upon Members providing infor mation regarding modern trade policies 
in case the Member does not wish to provide some.  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.3.  Yes, this is my understanding as well but I would like to invite the Secretariat to confirm that.  
MR. WILLY  ALFARO  (SECRETARIAT)  
7.4.  Thank you very much Madam Chair. I would just like to confirm that, in the process of 
preparing a TPR, the Secretariat always works closely with the delegation under review throughout 
the entire process. Our draft report is seen and commented by the Member under review, so there 
are no surprises to them. We never impose the coverage of a particular subject to any Member. 
That was our working practice and will continue. Thank you.  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.5.  To answer your question and to clarify the paragraph you were referring to, meaning 
paragrap h 2.10, conclusion (2) which says that: "The scope of the Secretariat Reports may include 
issues relevant to modern trade policies" , the Secretariat will not insist upon the Member providing 
information on modern trade policies if the Member does not wish to provide some.  
7.6.  As Willy has mentioned and as Members will note from Section C on Annex 3 of the 
Marrakesh Agreement, the Secretariat report is "to be drawn up by the Secretariat on its own 
responsibility, based on the information available to it and that  provided by the Member or 
Members concerned" . So, this has been and will continue to be the practice.  
UKRAINE  
7.7.  Thank you Madam Chair for giving me the floor. I would like to thank Madam Chair, 
Ms. Irene  Young, the TPRB Secretariat and all the Members for this valuable 6th Appraisal of the 
Trade Policy Review Mechanism. Ukraine aligns itself with all the conclusions made in this report, 
especially with the conclusion of launching necessary procedures in order to change the current 
review cycles (2, 4 or 6 y ears) to 3, 5 or 7 years with new arrangements starting from 2019.  
7.8.  We are of the view that facilitation of the question -and-answer process by the development 
of the IT system will simplify and expedite the process for the Member under review and all 
interested Members. In addition, this will take into account the number of questions and the 
possibility to ensure that the questions submitted to the Member under review be all considered. 
Thank you.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
7.9.  Thank you Chairperson. Just a few words to w elcome the adoption of the report and thank 
everyone, in particular you, for the hard work, guidance and occasionally discipline in this regard 
without which we wouldn't have achieved such an efficient outcome.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  7.10.   As you know, the EU would have liked a little  more changes. Probably someone has noted 
that we would have liked something more on the alternative timelines. We are of the view that we 
could refine and reform procedures as much as we can, but eventually it starts with the 
membership that has to apprec iate the value of what we are doing and facilitating the real 
exchange of view. This can be done with the alternative timeline, circulating the replies as soon as 
possible even if we don't adopt the alternative timeline, limiting questions to what is reall y 
relevant, as well as by spending some efforts to study and react to the Member's position during 
the second day.  
7.11.   The EU looks forward to the implementation of the outcomes of this exercise and hopes that 
everyone will take advantage of the reforms that we have introduced. Thank you very much.  
CHINA  
7.12.   China attaches great importance to this Appraisal of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism. 
Practicably involved all over the way, China has sent Capital delegations to attend some of the 
meetings, submitted writt en communications, offered constructive feedback on some Members' 
proposals and has been, to the best of our capacity, flexible and accommodating to deliver the 
panel outcomes.  
7.13.   China notes with delight the great results that the Members have achieved throu gh our joint 
efforts in this fruitful Appraisal. We are grateful to all the Members actively participating in this 
process and our gratitude particularly goes to you, Madam Chair, for your guidance and 
coordination, as well as to the Secretariat for their efforts and hard work.  
7.14.   On the other hand, China also would like to say that the implementation of the Appraisal 
results need to be closely monitored and some other issues still require further discussions before 
the next Appraisal.  
7.15.   China believes that hig her efficiency and a smoother functioning of this mechanism helps 
enhance transparency, consolidate the multilateral trading system and will benefit everyone at the 
end. Thank you.  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.16.   It is not without embarrassment that I would like to alert you to three grammatical errors 
that need to be corrected. At paragraph 2.13, conclusion (1), there is an embarrassing reference 
to "advanced written questions". The word "advanced" should read "advance" without the "d" at 
the end. Same error at the bottom of the Chart in the Annex, the word "advanced", in orange 
colour, should read "advance" as well. And the third error is in paragraph 2.25, first line, "on 
meetings" should obviously read "at meetings". These are the only three mistakes that I have 
found. So, if you are kind enough to point out if there are other mistakes please raise your flag 
now. I hope Members will agree to the changes. I see no objection.  
7.17.   I now propose that report WT/TPR/W/118 together with WT/TPR/W/118/Corr.1, 
incorporating these three c orrections shown to you just now, be adopted by the Trade Policy 
Review Body.  
7.18.   The report is hereby adopted. I shall insert today's day, the 21st of December, into 
paragraph 1.3 of the report.  
7.19.   Now that we have successfully concluded the 6th Appraisal, I wi sh to thank all Members who 
have contributed to it, in particular the more than twenty delegations which have submitted 
proposals to provide a basis for this dynamic and constructive exercise.  
7.20.   As many of you have heard me say before, I think the TPRM is a  very special function of the 
WTO in the sense that all WTO Members, like it or not, have a role to play in it. The TPRM is, 
therefore, a mechanism for all of us and how useful it can be depends on how much efforts we are 
prepared to put in.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  7.21.   Each time we conduct a serious Appraisal exercise, we are progressively improving the 
mechanism and everyone stands to benefit. The 6th Appraisal could not have been completed 
without your positive engagement. So, let me thank you again for your contribution and kind 
cooperation.   
AMBASSADOR  PUNKE  
7.22.   Madam Chair and colleagues, with your indulgence, I'd like to invoke the prerogative of my 
last statement in Geneva to make a few brief remarks in my personal capacity. I want to offer 
brief thoughts about three lessons I hav e learned during my time in Geneva.  
7.23.   First, institutions matter. The fact that the world has been relatively peaceful for half a 
century is because, in part, our predecessors after World War II built strong institutions that 
created stability and kept the p eace. One of these institutions is the World Trade Organization and 
its forerunner, the GATT. We take these institutions for granted at our peril. The fact that an 
institution can measure its life in decades does not mean that it is eternal. Anyone who stu dies 
history knows this.  
7.24.   When I was in law school, there was an inscription on the wall in one of our classrooms and 
it said, "The law must be stable, and yet it cannot stand still". So too institutions. Like all things, 
the institution of the World Trade Organization must adapt or perish. The greatest failures of the 
WTO have occurred when its Members rigidly adhered to past orthodoxy. The greatest successes 
of this institution have occurred when its Members questioned old assumptions, experimented, 
took a  chance on new ideas. There is a phrase that I learned in the WTO – "learn by doing". It isn't 
easy for big institutions to be agile, but the WTO will need to be more nimble in the months and 
years ahead.  
7.25.   The second lesson that I have learned is that peopl e matter. Our institutions provide the 
bones, but it is people who supply the sinew and the muscle, the sweat and the blood. I have seen 
people at their best in Geneva, and at their best, people are inspiring. I have seen good people 
from many countries wo rk together even as they zealously advocate for their national interest. 
There is not always convergence between our various national interests. But sometimes, if we 
work hard and if we are creative, we find common interest, and even common cause.  
7.26.   The thir d lesson that I have learned in this job is that all people matter. We need to 
remember constantly that it is not possible to advance the trade agenda without the support of our 
people, nor should it be. I have been engaged in the public debate about inter national trade for 
almost three decades. In that time, frankly, our arguments have evolved very little. And if we are 
honest, they are not working.  
7.27.   It is not enough for the Davos crowd to sit around and agree with each other about how 
clever they are – how Neanderthal the rest of the world. For anyone who supports global 
engagement, and I certainly number myself in that group, we need a far deeper consideration of 
people's profound and legitimate fears about both trade and the much broader topic of 
globaliz ation. If we hope to earn our peoples' support, we need far better answers for their 
concerns. I don't pretend to know the answer or the right balance. I am skeptical that it lies at 
either end of the spectrum – neither pulling up the drawbridges, nor thro wing wide -open the 
doors.  
7.28.   I want to conclude today with a few thank you's.  
7.29.   I am eternally grateful to Ambassador Ron Kirk and to President Obama for giving me the 
opportunity to represent the United States as Ambassador to the WTO. It has been the greatest  
honor of my career.  
7.30.   It has also been an honor to serve under my old friend, Mike Froman. He is the smartest 
person I know, and I'm privileged to know a lot of smart people. He has a rare combination of 
skills – able both to see strategically and to execut e tactically. He is an inspiring leader, in part 
because no one works harder.  WT/TPR/W/123  • United States  
 
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  7.31.   I want to say in this gathering today what I said informally on Monday night. I am deeply 
grateful to the incredible team of professionals with whom I have had the pleasure to wo rk at the 
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. I want to thank in particular my deputies in Geneva, 
Chris Wilson and David Shark before him, and my deputies in Washington, Mark Linscott and 
Dan Mullaney, and Matt Rohde back in the early days of my term . I learned an enormous amount, 
every day, from all of them, and one of the strengths of our system is that these career 
professionals continue even as Governments change. They are both the keel on our ship, and a 
compass in uncertain times.  
7.32.   I'll admit my bias, but it is my firm belief that the professional staff at USTR is the most 
talented in the world, a true national asset. I suspect that the new Administration will discover this 
quickly. I certainly hope so.  
7.33.   Finally, thank you, WTO colleagues. Thank yo u for our work together, and thank you for our 
friendship. I leave Geneva with wonderful memories of the past seven years. And I wish you happy 
trails wherever you may go. Thank you.  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.34.   Thank you very much Michael for your very thoughtful remarks and thank you for sharing 
your thoughts with us. I would like to join other colleagues in wishing you all the best in your 
future endeavors.  
7.35.   With this, I declare the meeting closed. Thank you for your participation. See you next year 
at the TPR of Sierra L eone which will take place on the 14th of February 2017. Happy holidays. 
Thank you very much.  
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