WT/TPR/M/350  
6 March  2017 
(17-1304) Page: 1/89 
Trade Policy Review Body   
19 and 21 December 2016  
  TRADE POLICY REVIEW  
UNITED STATES 
MINUTES OF THE MEETING  
Chairperson: Ms Irene Young (Hong Kong, China)  
CONTENTS  
 
1  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS  BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .......................  2 
2  OPENING STATEMENT BY  THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE UNITED STATES  ...................  4 
3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  ................................ ................................ ..............  10 
4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S ................................ ................................ ........................  16 
5  REPLIES BY THE REPRE SENTATIVE OF THE UNI TED STATES AND ADDIT IONAL 
COMMENTS  ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  74 
6  CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE CHAIRPERSON  ................................ .........................  85 
7  ADOPTION OF THE REPO RT OF THE SIXTH APPR AISAL OF THE TPRM  ........................  87 
 
 
Note: Advance written questions and additional quest ions 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/M/350 • 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), welcom ed the delegation of the 
United  States headed by H.E. Ambassador Michael Punke; the delegation from Washington; and 
the disc ussant, 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 document 
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; Swi tzerland; Cuba; China; Thailand; Singapore; Hong Kong, 
China; European Union; Kazakhstan; Republic of Moldova; Argentina; Ukraine; Russian 
Federation; Norway; Dominican Republic; Brazil, Viet Nam; India; El Salvador; and Peru. The 
following delegations sub mitted 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; Sri 
Lanka; Gabon; Nepa l; Montenegro; and Lesotho.  
1.4.  In 2014, Members had reaffirmed the central importance of the U nited 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 number one destination f or foreign direct investment.  
1.5.  To many 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 down in the first half of  2016, it had picked up in the third quarter. And as in 
the previous review, private consum ption and investment growth had  been r obust; the 
unemployment rate had  come dow n to 4.6%, while inflation had stayed  low at less than 2%. 
Although merchandise import s 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 less the macro economic back drop to the current review.  
1.7.  Zooming in on the U .S.' trade policies, Members could  see tha t the current administration had 
kept them broadly constant. The long -standing commitment of the U nited States towards open 
trade and investment 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 U nited States to re -authorise its 
Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), 
were pleased to note th at this had already been done. Member s 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 h ad envisioned 2 years ago. It was clear that th e 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 note d that a new Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) had been 
enacted in 2015. It had  a broader scope than p revious ones, in that it defined  four new trade 
negotiating issues: state -owned and controlled enterprises; localization barriers to trade; currency 
issues; a nd governance. Valid for new trade agreement s until the 1st of July 2018, and with a 
possible extension of an other 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), and 
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 questio ns 
had been asked about the implementation of the TPA and the d irection of US ' trade policy.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  1.10.   Work in the WTO was, of course, much more tha n 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. During the current re view period, the United States continued to be 
an active user of contingency measures, and this again gave rise to a large number of questions 
by Members regarding, for instance, the calculation methods; the criteria and concepts; and the 
prolonged applica tion of some of these  measures.  
1.11.   Other policy areas that continued to attract a lot of attention were trade facilitation, 
government procure ment and intellectual property.  On trade facilitation, Members saw  positive 
developments such as the single -window In ternational 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 wide 
range of question s were raised, about requirements at sub -federal levels; transparency; 
implementation of GPA obligations; preferences granted to small businesse s and national 
suppliers, etc. Questions on intellectual property likewise cover ed many aspects, such as patents , 
copyright and enforcement.  
1.12.   Regarding specific trade sectors, Members recall ed 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 Agriculture 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 Progr am.  
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 indust ry 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 that: this was a TPR w here 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 seem ed to have greater clarity than 
future policy orientations; where the Member 's trade negotiations outside of the WTO attract ed 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 deve lopment of U .S.' trade policies. How Members  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 affect ed all Members ? 
1.15.   This meeting might  not provide an answer to a ll 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 and 
fruitful exchange.  WT/TPR/M/350 • 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 poli cy review of the United States.  We 
are hono ured to see the large number of participants at today 's meet ing 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 Daniel Blockert, Perma nent 
Representative of Sweden, whom we are hono ured 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 this year, as in past r eviews, 
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 review 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 the ever increasing n umber of questions we receive every two years. 
We have set a new record of over 1 600 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 proud of the role we pl ayed in creating the 
rules-based trading system that has lifted hundr eds 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 potential.  The United States has matched its actions to its words, and our efforts 
before, during, and after the Nairobi Ministerial Conference have been ve ry much guided by that 
spirit.  
2.6.  The Obama Administration 's trade agenda has focused on three strategic objectives: 
establis hing and enforcing the rules of the road, strengthening U.S. partnerships with other 
countries, and spurring br oad-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 Secretariat report 
emphasize s 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 clashin g talking points 
and speeches. We appreciate that this TPR process offers reminders of the ope nness of the U.S. 
economy, and of our co mmitment to working with other M embers 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 promote export opport unities for 
U.S. stakeholders. We ma ke no apology for this.  But we have matched our efforts to open markets 
abroad with a willi ngness to open our own market. We are the world 's largest single -country 
importer, importing goods and services that exceed the tot al size of the economies of all b ut 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, s econd, 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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  applied basis. In 2015, nearly 70 % of all U.S. imports, including those under preference programs, 
enter ed 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, inclu ding 
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 lo ng-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 rest of the 
world. Thes e 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 the United States. Man y 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 cer tain realities in blunt terms. This was 
undoubtedly the case in our recent efforts 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 through steps that ha ve, 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 directness, 
our straight -talk, is always motivated by a commitment to making things w ork 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 need 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 environment, the prom otion 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 n eeded, 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 history of 
the WTO – the T rade 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 agreemen t 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 inform ation 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 eliminating tariffs on a ran ge of 
environmental goods, so that we might see the dispersion of th is key technology to deal with a raft 
of environmental concerns as quickly and affordably as possible. And in September, more than a WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  dozen WTO M embers gathered to address 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 recently 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 pragmatic multilaterali sm 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 o ver the past couple of decades.  These agreements are 
not intended to replace or supplant  the multilateral trading system, but to inform i t 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 process 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 plurila teral agreements were reached. And it was also a moment in 
which it became clear, officially, for the first time, tha t 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 negotiations, the WTO demonstr ates its value every day through 
the work of its standin g committees and other bodies. This institutional structure is instrumental in 
promoting transparency of WTO Member s trade policies, as well as monitoring and resisting 
protectionist pressures during a challengi ng 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 ke eping 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 transparency and notificatio n 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 vigorous pursuit of bi lateral 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) A greement. Throu gh TPP, we have sought to craft a 
high-standard pathway to regional economic in tegration in the Asia -Pacific. In addition to 
ambitious market access commitments, the TPP includes high -standard trade rules covering both 
new and traditional 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 othe r 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 global re al 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 y et taken up the TPP 
agreement. The Obama Administration 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/M/350 • 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 investment agreement, the  
Transatlantic Trade and In vestment 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 than  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 
environmental 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 ou r 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 to keeping other WTO M embers 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 bilateral 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 and 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 
Unite d States and 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 APEC Leaders ' 
and M inisters 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 AS EAN-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 by encouraging benefic iary 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, bringing 
together African He ads 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 p otential 
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 and other WTO bodies, t o 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 partners.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  2.30.   It remains our f irm 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 M embers. 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, these concerns have arise n 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 critical for the proper func tioning of the 
dispute settlement system. The role assigned by WTO Members in the DSU to the Ap pellate Body 
is a focused one. The job of the Appellate Body is to review a legal conclusion or interpretation in a 
panel report so that the DSB 's recommendation  — to bring a WTO -inconsistent measure into 
compliance  — helps the parties to promptly resolve their dispute . And the DSU is clear – a panel or 
Appellate Body report cannot add to or diminish rights and obligati ons under the WTO agreements. 
As a result, th e job of the panel or Appellate Body is not to "create law " or opine on issues that a re 
not necessary to resolve that dispute  between the parties about a challenged measure's 
consistency with WTO rules . 
2.32.   The concerns raised by the United States should be  of 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 the 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 Developm ent 
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 gr owth. Whether through preference programs or new initiati ves 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 tr ade capacity building, and 
remains one of the leading do nors 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 are  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 parti cipate more fully in the WTO. 
The Uni ted States takes a whole -of-government approa ch 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 technic al 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 anticipat ed 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 approa ch to implementation where G overnment 
and donors work to levera ge 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 Privat e Ente rprise 
together with the G overnments 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 countri es 
on an annual rolling basis. The four pilot Members to dat e have been Ghana, Kenya, Colombia, 
and Viet  Nam, and we look forward to continuing our work with additional Members.   WT/TPR/M/350 • 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 Nation al Standards Ins titute (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 te chnical 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 exhibit  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 in itiatives. 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 trad e 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 our  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.  
Lookin g 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 successfu l 
third decade. We are encouraged by the energy that we see with in 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 ar e 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 t he 
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 wo rk 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. lead ership within this 
institution.  We look forward to participating in this exchange and we thank you all again for your 
interest and attention.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  3  STATEMENT BY THE DIS CUSSANT  
3.1.  First, let me thank Amb assador  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 muc h publicity as, say, the Legal Division, but your work is no less 
impressive. Let me also thank Amb assador  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 Membe rs 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 realiz ed since then that it was a big mistake. It was a mistake for 
two reasons. The f irst 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 realiz ed that I had to write this 
myself.   
3.3.  The second reason  is that I had no idea at the time that the relationship be tween 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 s ince 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 t o the prize 
ceremony in Stockholm, w hich meant that Bob Dylan basically stood the Swedish king up.  
3.6.  Of course, a n 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 dipl omat, 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 g lobal foreign direct investment.  
3.9.  The U.S. economy is dominated by the services sec tor, 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 h as 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 unemploymen t 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, s hould therefore be good news for all of us.  WT/TPR/M/350 • 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 val ue 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  
3.13.   It is positive that new tariff lines have been included in the GSP for LDCs as  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 ac cess for all products.  
3.14.   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.  
3.15.   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  
3.16.   Regarding customs and tr ade 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. Balanc ing facilitation while at the same time ensuring the safety and security of 
your citizens is not always an easy task.  
3.17.   Several different trusted trader initiatives have been initiated and the aim is to integrate 
those programs into one single, holistic Tru sted Trader Program.  
3.18.   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 (Secur e Freight Initiative) where 100 % 
scanning of all cargo containers destined f or the U.S.  is required. This is still not realiz ed regarding 
maritime freight, due to logistical problems and diplomatic concerns. The SFI deadline has been 
extended several times.  
3.19.   The U.S. completed the ratification of the WTO Trade Fa cilitation Agreemen t in 
January  2015. It coul d 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 re medies  
3.20.   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.  
3.21.   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 of ten 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.  
3.22.   TDIs have been the subjec t 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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  3.23.   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  
3.24.   U.S. Government Procurement is one of the favourite subjects of WTO Members, judging 
from the questions submitted  for today. It is an area where we haven 't seen many major changes 
since 2014.  
3.25.   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 
provisions and exceptions connected to the BAA that I will not go into  them here.  
3.26.   Issues concerning the BAA are well known in this H ouse, 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 G overnment 
spending at state or local level.  
IPR 
3.27.   Intellectual property is a critical source of economic growth and high-quality jobs for the 
U.S. a uthorities and the U.S. authorities work to protect U.S. innovation and creati vity with all the 
tools of U.S. trade policy.  
3.28.   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.  
3.29.   In its annual report, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection noted that the total number of 
products seized containing IPR infri ngements 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.  
3.30.   In 201 4, 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 increa sed U.S. real GDP by between  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 t o 1.8%). These are huge numbers on an issue that is frequently discussed in this 
House.  
Standards  
3.31.   When we were preparing for the launch  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 diffi cult to find relevant 
standards.  
3.32.   I'm not going to go into the different merits of private v ersus public standards, and not what 
constitutes an international standard either. That 's for other organiz ations to deal with. However, 
in the U.S. there are betwee n 200 -300 bodies that develop their own standards. Very limited, if 
any, standardiz ation 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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  3.33.   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 
3.34.   A related issue is SPS where the report notes  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 repor ts mentions anything about the  time-frame for implementing this  programme.  
3.35.   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.  
3.36.   The Secretariat 's report also highlight s the Food Safety and Inspection Service 's list of 
countries that are eligible to export meat, poultry and egg pr oducts to the U.S. Currently 
46 countries are eligible whereas in 2014 there were only 35. It is a positive news but i t is notable 
that only two countries are eligible to export egg products to the U.S.  
Agriculture  
3.37.   Since the last TPR , the 2014 Farm Act has  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 o f the risk from far mers to the G overnment, which could be a concern for trading partners.  
3.38.   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, it  is 
crucial that all Members have good information about the use of domestic support in a time when 
new disciplines for agri cultural support are a prioritiz ed issue for MC11.  
3.39.   It is noticeable that the TPR reports this year did not include Producer Support  Estimates 
from the OECD and FAO. They did last time. PSEs are a useful t ool 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 substa ntial share and it's an increase , which I think 
is a slightly worrying trend . 
3.40.   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 sol d 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 interes t.  
3.41.   About the Export Guarantee Program , the reports provide information on one of the 
components of the Nairobi decision, the maximum credit ter m, which has been reduced to 
18 months. However, I couldn 't find anything in the reports on the financing of the  program and 
the mechanism to ensure that it is not subsidiz ed. This is unfortunate since self-financing is a key 
obligation for such programs.  
Sustainable Development  
3.42.   The final issue that I wanted to highlight under this item is sustainable development. I f you 
read President Obama 's Trade Policy Agenda for 2016 , there is a significant change in how trade is 
defined and described.  
3.43.   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 the  TPA are reflected.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  3.44.   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 markets, but also improve transparency and governan ce 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 connection  with fisheries.  
3.45.   I wish that these changes were ref lected 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 br oader to day, including in this H ouse. 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 
countr ies' TPR reports as well. I find that encouraging.  
3.46.   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 l ist, the multilateral.  
The Multilateral  
3.47.   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 tra de. The U.S. is equally important to the WTO and for the functioning of 
the multilateral t rading system. The Secretariat  report states that "the United States has a 
steadfast commitment to the multilateral trading system ".  
3.48.   The U.S. is an active M ember in the WTO in all areas, including systemic issues and on how 
the Organiz ation 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 decisi ons. 
As I mentioned earlier, we are also missing the U.S. notification of its current Farm Bill.  
3.49.   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 compared  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 ful fil their obligations to the letter.  
3.50.   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 t he 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 H ouse, on the 
relationship between multilateral and other trade negotiations.  
The Elephant in the room  
3.51.   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 couple  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 th at is probably the most publiciz ed election in 
the history of the world.  
3.52.   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 u nique for the U.S. In fact , we see 
it many parts of the world right now. We certainly have it within the EU.  
3.53.   We do not know yet what the trade policy w ill be like under the new U.S. A dministration. 
What we do know is that it is not the subject of this TPR . 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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  3.54.   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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4  STATEMENTS BY MEMBER S 
MALAYSIA  
4.1.  Malaysia is ple ased 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 lar gest 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.  Malaysi a 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. W e 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 str ong 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 States  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 cl ose 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 Investmen t 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 cooperation  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 d elegation of the United States for the respective response s. 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.  
MEXICO 
4.10.   I should like to congratulate, but more importantly pay tribute to, Ambassador Michael 
Punke for the genuinely outstanding role he has played in his years as Permanent Representative 
of the United States  to the WTO, and take the opportunity to wish him every success in his future 
endeavours.  
4.11.   The United States managed successfully to overcome the financial crisis and get back on the 
path to growth. This is doubtless thanks to a series of domestic reforms d riven by the 
Administration of President Obama, but also to the efforts to maintain an open economy.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.12.   Although even greater efforts might have been anticipated in this regard, given the 
leadership role incumbent on it as the world's largest economy, the Uni ted States has to a large 
measure resisted the lure of protectionism. Both the domestic reforms introduced and the 
measures taken to foster open trade have contributed to bringing unemployment down from 10% 
in 2009 to 5% today, a benign level not witnessed  since the Great Recession.  
4.13.   International investors have trusted in the solidity and effectiveness of US institutions, and 
in its policies that promote certainty, transparency and predictability in trade, as well as in its large 
domestic market, constant i nnovation and flexible, productive and qualified human capital, all of 
which has meant that the United States remains the top recipient of foreign direct investment 
worldwide, the biggest importer and the second biggest exporter of goods and services.  
4.14.   In a relatively unfavourable international environment where, regrettably, protectionist and 
anti-trade rhetoric and populist temptations are gaining ground, we hope that the progress made 
by the United States since the financial crisis will not be forsaken or  negated, and that its 
Government and institutions and, above all, its people will be able to safeguard what has been 
achieved, realizing that these accomplishments stem from the strengthening of, and clear 
commitment to, a robust multilateral trading syst em from which the United States has benefited 
significantly.  
4.15.   While US efforts to adopt measures that stimulate trade, such as, inter alia , ratification of 
the Trade Facilitation Agreement, are to be applauded, several very important actions are still 
pendi ng, such as full implementation of the Single Window (Automated Commercial Environment 
(ACE)).  
4.16.   According to the OECD, the US economy faces serious challenges, which to our mind cannot 
be met without an open -market trade policy. Notable challenges include:  
 First, moving towards more inclusive and sustainable growth, by: (i) reducing social and 
racial inequalities, and (ii) meeting the COP21 carbon emissions reduction goals.  
 Second, strengthening growth in productivity, by: (i) enhancing infrastructure in som e 
states, and (ii) making entrepreneurship and business more dynamic.  
4.17.   With respect to the services sector, which accounts for 80% of US GDP, I should like to 
stress that my country is keenly interested in seeing the US Government look again at the 
importan ce of further liberalization, but above all of effectively fulfilling its existing international 
commitments, particularly in the area of maritime, air and land transport.  
4.18.   Bilateral relations between Mexico and the United States go back many decades, and w ere 
without doubt deepened with the entry into force of the NAFTA. The Agreement has helped to 
strengthen our economic and commercial ties, by establishing a set of rules that bring long -term 
certainty in trade relations, and to develop and consolidate val ue chains with a global impact, in a 
win-win commercial and business environment in the North American region.  
4.19.   The NAFTA, which is the backbone of this integration, has since its inception constituted a 
fine example of consensus -building around ambitious l iberalization objectives for economic 
development, as well as a benchmark for subsequent trade negotiations, including within the WTO.  
4.20.   Today, Mexico is the origin of 12% of US imports and the destination of 15% of its exports; 
and almost half of Mexico's i mports come from the United States. In the period from 2008 to 
2015, the dollar value of US exports to Mexico grew by 19% and US trade with Mexico generated 
at least five  million jobs in the United States.  
4.21.   In other words, Mexico is the United States' secon d largest export market and its 
third biggest trading partner worldwide. Our trade exchanges are worth more than US$1.5  billion 
per day, which is more than US$62  million per hour and over US$1  million a minute.  
4.22.   The Mexican and U .S. manufacturing industry i s highly integrated, so we do not only 
exchange goods and services, but also produce them jointly, such that the exports contain 40% of 
inputs that come from the United States.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.23.   These are but some of the figures which reveal the importance of our bilateral relationship, 
which we hope will continue to flourish, on the basis of the commitments built up, which have 
been significantly strengthened in the last two decades. We also hope this will take place in a 
climate of cooperation, respect and mutual trust, an d in accordance with the fundamental principle 
of win -win. 
4.24.   It is only by keeping this type of achievement firmly in mind that we will be able to create 
the momentum for positive advances in favour of regional trade relations and the multilateral 
trading sy stem itself.  
4.25.   In the area of dispute settlement, I draw attention to the fact that while the United States is 
the Member that has filed the largest number of cases (111), it also has the most cases filed 
against it (128). We appeal to it to act with greater  responsibility, especially given the huge 
workload facing the WTO in this area. This responsibility also entails respecting the institutions. In 
this connection, 2016 will be remembered as a year in which the Appellate Body was hampered by 
the situation w hich arose regarding the reappointment of one of its members, the effects of which 
will be felt in the future.  
4.26.   Finally, we are grateful to the United States for its replies to my delegation's questions, and 
wish the US delegation every success in this revi ew. 
PHILIPPINES  
4.27.   The Philippines associates itself with the ASEAN statement delivered by our colleague from 
Lao PDR recognizing the valuable economic partnership between the ASEAN and the United States.  
4.28.   The United States is the single largest economy in the  world and it has continued  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 in vestments. 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 Framewor k 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 2002. The TIFA sets out the principles and is our 
primary mechanism for bilateral consulta tions, 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 Philippin es, is the U.S. 
Generali zed System of Preferences (GSP)  which provides duty -free treatment to goods from 
designated beneficiary countries and territories, such as the Philippines. We look forward to a 
favourable decision by th e U.S. on the petitions to gra nt duty-free benefits for travel goods for all 
GSP Beneficiary Developing Countries (BDCs).  
4.32.   The Philippines also recognizes the valuable contribution of the United States during the 
Philippines hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 201 5, which has delivered 
progress on issues that will enhance regional economic integration and foster micro, small and 
medium enterprise 's participation in the regional and 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 t he 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 i n the region which collectively is considered as the U.S. ' fourth largest export 
market.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  REPUBLIC  OF KOREA  
4.34.   Let me begin with bilateral trade and investment relations. The U.S. has been for many 
decades Korea 's major economic and strategic partner. Since th e 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 bilateral FTA which is comprehensive in scope and high in 
ambition has already brought consi derable 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 a s 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 recovered 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 policies, 
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 Inter national Trade 
Data System and the introduction of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE).  
4.38.   While appreciating such initiatives and developments, we share concerns expressed 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 well as the excessive duration of those 
measures.  
4.39.   In addition, my delegation also submitt ed 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, whic h 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 consistently 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 finding 
common ground. This is particularly so, as we are in the midst of huge structural t ransformation in 
global economic and trade landscape. However, difficulty or complexity of negotiations cannot be 
an excuse for WTO Members to stand still in multilateral liberalization and rule -making. The WTO 
should remain in keeping with the changing wo rld. 
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. We are confronted with 
growing anti -trade sentiment and uncertainty in the policy direct ion 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 the guardian of the global trading system.  
4.43.   On that note, I would like to express my since re 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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.45.   He was tireless in advancing the cause of free trade and the WTO. His always thoughtful yet 
straightforward comments were most reproducing and provided valuable food for thought in this  
House. His views may not have al ways been shared by all Members b ut 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 o f 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 WTO. We note with satisfaction the importance that the United States 
attaches in enhanci ng 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 plurilater al 
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 Sultanate 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 like to express 
our best wishes to Ambassador Michael Punke in his future endeavors.  
COLOM BIA 
4.50.   In taking the floor, I should like to recall the great US thinker Ralph Waldo Emerson, who 
said in a famous quote that: "A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere. Before him I may 
think aloud".  
4.51.   And this is what we have come to do today, to think  aloud, because, as well as being our 
main trading partner, the United States is a great friend for Colombia, one which, together with 
the broader international community, has been resolutely accompanying us in the quest for peace.  
4.52.   In the context of this t rade policy review, we are pleased to note from the reports submitted 
to us today that the US economy has attained consistent growth in 2014 and 2015 of around 2%, 
with a slight dip in 2016.  
4.53.   We see, moreover, that the unemployment rate has fallen from 7% t o 5%, the federal 
public deficit has been reduced to a rate that today stands at around 3 percentage points, and that 
inflation has remained stable at less than 2% a year.  
4.54.   It is likewise reported that the United States is the world's biggest exporter and i mporter of 
cross-border services and remains the top global investor.  
4.55.   Nevertheless, it appears that exports and imports of goods have regressed to 2012 levels, 
with the balance -of-payments deficit rising to 2.6% of GDP.  
4.56.   We hope that this recent downward tr end in goods exports and imports from and into the 
United States will be reversed, for its economy to remain one of the main drivers of international 
trade.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.57.   The Secretariat report brings out the active part played by the United States within the 
WTO, both in regular activities and at the negotiating table, not least its key role in the successful 
conclusion of the last two ministerial conferences. It also highlights its role in various sectoral 
initiatives such as the negotiations on liberalization of servi ces, environmental goods and 
disciplining fisheries subsidies. We must also underscore the active role the US played in the entry 
into force and implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement.  
4.58.   Another particularly interesting aspect of the United State s' participation in the WTO is its 
extensive use of the dispute settlement mechanism.  
4.59.   In regard to technical barriers to trade (TBT), it has gone from notifying 180 TBTs in 2014 
to 283 in 2015. In terms of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, we note  that the number 
of regular SPS notifications fell from 112 in 2014 to 86 in 2015.  
4.60.   The questions we have put forward in this context seek to obtain more information on the 
programmes set up by the United States for conformity assessment and mutual recognit ion of 
technical and sanitary requirements; to get a clearer picture of the cooperation and technical 
assistance programmes for capacity building to enable compliance with the technical and sanitary 
standards so as to benefit more effectively from the pref erential conditions offered by our trade 
agreements; and to ascertain the availability of these cooperation and technical assistance 
programmes. In this connection, Colombia congratulates the US on its Standards Alliance 
programme and reiterates its intere st in participating actively in schemes of this type.  
4.61.   For a food exporter like Colombia, the procedures for accrediting FDA requirements and how 
to properly comply with them are fundamental to strengthening our trade relations. We rely on the 
United States  to continue collaborating with us with a view to helping us make optimum use of the 
multilateral and preferential trade channels between our countries and build the capacity to 
overcome any barriers to the trading of our products.  
4.62.   The report highlights th at the United States is duly fulfilling its notification commitments in 
regard to preferential agreements. Colombia emphasizes the importance of our bilateral 
agreement and how our bilateral trade has diversified by virtue of it.  
4.63.   With regard to export prom otion, we see that the United States has an institutional export 
support structure accompanied in some cases by a scheme of financing facilities, loans, insurances 
and guarantees, drawback of duties and even subsidies. Colombia also notes that the US has 
periodically notified these programmes to the WTO.  
4.64.   In agriculture, we note that during the review period a law was passed to protect dairy 
margins. We refer to this item in our questions, and it would be important for us to obtain more 
information in this r egard.  
4.65.   We also note the US commitment to avoiding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) 
fishing, with disciplinary action on the subsidies which contribute to this type of practice. In this 
connection, we have been working together to obtain an outcome  in the relevant negotiations, at 
both the multilateral and plurilateral levels.  
4.66.   In the area of fisheries, however, we see that the United States has introduced a unilateral 
certification system on fishing practices, which could potentially result in the i mposition of port 
restrictions or of import restrictions on fish products. We believe that any action or restriction in 
this area has to be shown to be consistent with the WTO rules and we trust that the US has 
structured its programmes with this in mind.  
4.67.   In regard to trade facilitation, we highlight the signing into law of the Trade Facilitation and 
Trade Enforcement Act of 2015, implementing the TFA and setting up the Commercial Customs 
Operations Advisory Committee (COAC), as well as the progress made in  developing the 
Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) single -window application, which is expected to be 
completed this year. Another stand -out feature of the progress achieved by the United States in 
terms of trade facilitation is the development of the trusted trader and trade security programmes.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  AUSTRALIA  
4.68.   Global trade growth is at its slowest rate since 2009, and the troubling trend of increasing 
protectionism around the world is continuing. Against this backdrop, the WTO 's role has taken on 
new meani ng. Multilateral and plurilateral efforts to support open markets, and to ensure the 
benefits of liberalized trade are understood, are more important 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 W TO 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 years in brokering new disciplines in the WTO has benefited us all, and reflected 
its understanding of the uniqu e contribution international trade rules and economic integration 
make to national and global prosperity.  
4.71.   Australia and the United States have a strong bilateral trade and investment relationship, 
built on shared values and common interests. These values a nd common interests have opened 
doors for our businesses and people, and created opportunities for new jobs and growth. Australia 
is the 11th largest 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 a nd 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 relationship.  
4.72.   While Australia and the United States share robust trade and investment ties, as in any 
relations hip 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 
continue to monitor very closely U.S. sugar and dairy policies. As a major global exporter of 
agricultural products U.S. farmers would benefit from a negotiated outcome on domestic support 
that reduced global levels of trade distorting support.  
4.74.   Australi a 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 domestic 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, wi thout delivering the intended security dividends.  
4.76.   We encourage the United States to continue to provide an open investment environment 
and procurement opportunities for all foreign firms, which will contribute to job creation and 
economic growth in the Uni ted 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 multilateral outcomes and in finalizing plurilateral negotiations, including 
the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA) a nd the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA).  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.78.   Australia looks forward to continuing to work with the United States in advancing global 
trade liberalization.  
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 Presi dent'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 s its leadership in complet ing 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 clarifica tion 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 interests 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 measures in recent years, 
which results in 269 (AD) measures orders in place as of 30 June 2016. During the peri od 2014 to 
end-June 2016, the number of AD investigation initiations totaled  85. We believe this has 
important and negative implications for the rest of the world.  
4.84.   This September, the WTO Appellate Body held in DS 464 that the way in which the U.S. 
calcula ted anti -dumping duty margins was c ontrary to its WTO obligations.  It's worth underlining, 
in particular, since the same methodology was also used to determine 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 ' 
procurement systems. Under the Buy American Act of 1933 (BAA), the purchase of supplies and 
construction materials by government agencies is limited to  those defined as "domestic 
end-products ". We encour age the US government procurement contracts are open and transparent 
to foreign competition under its GPA commitments,  
4.86.   Thirdly, regarding the U .S. continuing exemption under para 3(a) of GATT 1944, we are of 
the view that implementing the Jones Act restric ts the fair competition in the ship -building industry 
and the shipping market and no longer served a legitimat e 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 al so notice that the anti -globaliz ation sentiment in U .S. caused 
us to worry whether the U .S. will turn toward trade protectionism. We h ope 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 trad e and 
investment relation ship. 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 destinati ons 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 have been influential in each  other 's economic 
development. What we would like to see in the future probab ly most of all is the U .S. continuing WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  committed to an open trade and investment strategy, leading a strong rules based international 
trading system, and 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, a nd also sincerely wish H.E. Ambassador  Michael Punke all the best in his future 
endeavours.  
KINGDOM  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 farewell 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 and diversified d uring 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 leve l. 
4.92.   The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia commends the United States for promoting the continued 
development of an open market and friendly trading environment creating opportunities benefiting 
developing an d 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 a ssistance through several programs and reforms. In addition, 
measures undertaken to foster domestic consumption, to improve labor market, and to enhance 
productivity have certainly contributed to the  recovery of the U.S. economy.  
4.94.   We have submitted some qu estions to the United States regarding economic and trade 
environment, trade poli cies 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 trading 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.  
4.96.   The two countries enjoyed since long bilateral cooperation in different fields such as energy, 
science and technology, educational program mes, environm ental program mes, an d health 
cooperation program mes.  
4.97.   The U .S.-Saudi Business Council which was founded in December 1993 has played an 
important role in the promotion of bilateral business ties and helped expand and diversify trade 
between the two countrie s. Among other successes, the Trade and Investment Framework 
Agreement signed between the two countries in July 2003 has provided a forum for both partners 
to explore means to enhance their economic and trade relations.  
4.98.   The importance of trade to the Unit ed 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 M embers 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 Secretariat for the preparatory work they have done  for this trade policy review. 
Further, I would like to ackn owledge the critical leadership role that the United States has played 
in the development of a rules -based trading system. Our bilateral trading relationship is a model of 
free and fair trade that delivers prosperity and jobs. In North America and beyond o ur shores, this WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  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 increase d to alarming levels 
recently. In this context, we would welcome a stron g 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 than $2 billion of goods, and 
400,000 people cross our border every day. For 35 U.S. states, Canada is the l argest 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 billion. 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 welco me the decision of the 
United  States to repeal the Country of Origin Labelling requirements after years of litigation, these 
requirements severely disrupted 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 t rade barrier on efficient 
cross-border supply chains. At the last trade policy review in 2014, we referred to restrictions on 
transportation, infrastructure and the water sector. Regretfully, through the Fixing America 's 
Surface Transportation Act (o r "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 o f softwood lumber 
from Canada. We urge the U.S. Administration to carefully consider its WTO obligations  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.   
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 th e 
reach of the Federal Maritime Commission outside of U.S. borders.  How specific U.S. laws and 
regulations affect the competitiveness and efficiency of the maritime sector, including both 
services suppliers and consumers, is of considerable interest to Ca nada.  
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 Decision on export competition was an 
important step in addressing concerns in t he area of agricultural tr ade. 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 exp ort 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 nat ure of the Canadian -US economy. The Council cooperates in 
many areas so as to foster alignment between our regulatory systems and to elimi nate 
unnecessary 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. Third, we would like to underline the 
work of the United States to raise awareness of the global overcapacit y and production in certain 
sectors like steel.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.108.   In closing, we must remain vigilant against the potential rise of protectionism and the 
fallacy of simplistic view that exports are good and imports are bad. In this regard, recent press 
reports indicate tha t 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 e ngaged in 
the creation and promotion of improved international trade and investment opportunities that will 
support growth in the United States and around the world.  
4.109.   We have submitted written questions and we wait 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 t o 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 trad ing 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 rel iable 
commitment of the US to an open market economy.  
4.112.   In spite of some blemishes, which will certainly be addresse d in today 's debate, the 
United  States has consistently supported trade liberalization. This engagement has been beneficial 
for the multilater al 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 
constituencies. In this context, we note that the current account deficit of the USA is showing a 
widening trend a ccording to the IMF projections. This after a reassuring period of contraction. At 
the same time, the trend for the real effective exchange rate of the U .S. dollar seems to point to 
further appreciation which may result in an increase in the trade deficit.   
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 phenomenon. And the fact that the US$ 
is the global reserve currency means that the deficit can be sustained w ithout 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 ev en 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 co nsequences 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 contri bution 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 
Switzerla nd 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 the 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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.118.   Now turning to U .S. trade practices, and more specifically to customs procedures, we 
would like to flag our keen interest in the functioning of the Automat ed 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 to 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 busine ss 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 chapters 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.   In connection with the United States' 13th Trade Policy Revie w, Cuba wishes to 
acknowledge the progress made in diplomacy and cooperation between our two countries in areas 
of common interest.  
4.124.   However, Cuba also wishes to attest before this Review Body to the trade policies which 
keep virtually unchanged the economi c, commercial and financial blockade measures which the 
Government of the United States persists in imposing on our country.  
4.125.   Two years after the Governments of Cuba and the United States decided to re -establish 
their diplomatic relations and initiate a pro cess geared towards normalizing their trade and 
financial links, there have been no substantial changes in the application of the embargo policy 
against our nation, meaning that the embargo measures are still imposed directly against Cuba as 
rigorously as in previous years and that their extraterritorial scope is continuing to affect 
third countries.  
4.126.   March  2016 saw the announcement of new amendments to the regulations governing the 
sanctions applied by the United States, not least, for the first time since the blockade entered into 
force, permission for Cuban citizens and financial institutions to use the dollar to conduct certain 
transactions. This would change somewhat one of the most significant aspects of the blockade; yet 
the measure has not been implem ented in practice, while Cuban monetary assets abroad remain 
subject to harassment and persecution.  
4.127.   The blockade policy against Cuba is still the main impediment to the country's economic 
development, by hampering the performance of all sectors of its dome stic economy, by 
substantially increasing financial costs and impeding access to external financial flows, as well as 
by obstructing essential imports, mainly food, medicines and fuel, which is a serious obstacle to 
economic development.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.128.   Consequently, the country's efforts to integrate in the world trading system are being 
made under particularly difficult conditions – the outcome of a policy which is at odds with the 
principle of free trade.  
4.129.   The embargo laws also prohibit loans to Cuba by multilateral and regional financial 
organizations, thereby denying the country access to sources of long -term financing under 
favourable conditions and forcing it to resort to short -term loans with high interest rates and to 
supplier financing on far less flexible terms th an credit from financial institutions and official 
sources.  
4.130.   The steps taken by the US Government to modify the application of some aspects of the 
embargo on Cuba are positive, but very limited in so far as they have only a small impact on 
bilateral economi c, commercial and financial ties.  
4.131.   Once again, Cuba urges the United States to discontinue the discriminatory and unjustified 
policy of embargo against Cuba and help to restore fair and balanced conditions for our country's 
external trade.  
CHINA  
4.132.   Over the pa st 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.  
4.133.   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 negotiat ion. The recent 
campaign rhetoric of "pulling out of the WTO " made by the U.S. President -elect Donald Trump has 
caused serious worries among WTO Members regarding the future of the multilateral trading 
system.  
4.134.   China hopes that the U.S. will keep showing th e leadership in preserving the multilateral 
trading system as the major avenue for trade liberalization, implementing its due obligations 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.  
4.135.   During the period under review, the U.S. has furthered 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.  
4.136.   However, we have also seen quite a number of negative factors in recent years.  
4.137.   First, the U.S. has continued to provide huge subsidies to its major agricultural product s, 
which seriously distorts the international agricultural market. The U.S. is the world 's leading 
producer and exporter of agricultural products. The U.S. 's huge agricultural subsidies have been 
the root courses for the unfair competition in the internati onal agricultural market. They have not 
only negatively affected the food security and livelihood of the vast number of poor farmers in the 
developing agricultural importing Members, but also seriously squeezed market share of the 
developing agricultural e xporting Members , cotton for example . 
4.138.   Second, the U.S. has abusively used trade remedy m easures and challenged the WTO 
rules. In 2015, the U.S. has initiated 42 anti -dumping (AD) and 23 countervailing (CVD) cases, 
increased by 121% and 28%, respectively. M ost of these investigations were targeted at the 
developing Members. The U.S. has broken its commitment undertaken 15 years ago in Article 15 
of China 's Protocol of Accession to the WTO by continuing to use the illegal "surrogate country " 
methodology in an ti-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 a bad  record 
in the implementation of the WTO rulings.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.139.   Third, lack of transparency is increasingly beco ming 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 mer ges 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 rar ely notified to the 
WTO, neither are those legislations at state level.  
4.140.   Fourth, the regional and other trade negotiations led by the U.S. are lacking transparency 
and inclusiveness. These negotiations are pursuing so -called high -standard, and neglecting th e 
legitimate interests, concerns and policy space of the developing Members.  
4.141.   Hence, we urge the U.S. to take concrete actions to address these concerns effectively.  
4.142.   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.  
4.143.   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 countries.  
4.144.   We look forward to working with the incoming U.S. Administration, to explore converging 
interests. This w ill surely create more benefits for our peoples and enable two sides to make new 
contributions to the common development and the global economic growth.  
4.145.   In concluding, I would like to thank the U.S. delegation for the replies they have provided 
to our ques tions, we will go through them carefully. I wish this Trade Policy Review of the United 
States a complete success.  
THAILAND  
4.146.   In starting off, Thailand would like to associate itself with ASEAN 's statement to be 
delivered by Lao PDR. 
4.147.   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. Th ailand hopes that with the new A dministration, the U .S. open and transparent trade and 
investment re gime will continue as the Thai G overnment looks forward to fostering our strong and 
mutually beneficial  bilateral ties with the United States.  
4.148.   The r eport 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 trade, the 
U.S. continues to be a leading importer and exporter of trade in goods, and c ontinues to perform 
strongly on trade in services, achieving a surplus of US$262 billion in 2015.  
4.149.   Thailand appreciates the U .S. continuous liberal approach to trade and investment 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, including Thailand, through programmes su ch as the GSP.  
4.150.   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 favorable consideration.  
4.151.   With the U .S. being l eading 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 WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  can be lower than the present average of 9.1%, which more than twice as high as the aver age 
tariffs of non -agriculture products. Also on agriculture, there remains a lack of clarity with regard 
to the 2014 Farm Act, especially information on do mestic support. In this regard,  Thailand has 
sought clarifications to some specific features of the Farm Act such as the Price Loss Coverage 
(PLC) programme and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) programme.  
4.152.   The U .S. has always been a key and invaluable contributor to the WTO. It has played a 
leading role in many discussions and negotiations in both multila teral 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.  
4.153.   In this review, Thailand submitted qui te 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 property rights, and as 
menti oned before,  the 2014 Farm Act.  We look forward to the United States ' responses, for which 
we will study carefully with great interest.  
4.154.   In conclusion, Thailand would like to express its appreciation to the U .S. delega tion 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 policy review.  
SINGAPORE  
4.155.   Singapore asso ciates with the ASEAN statement to be delivered by Lao PDR.  
4.156.   Singapore and the United States enjoy robust, wide ranging and mutually beneficial 
bilateral relations.  The U .S. is Singapore 's 4th largest trading partner. Total 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. Since the USSFTA entered into force in 2 004, the U .S.' 
goods exports to Singapore have increased by over 70% and its services exports have more than 
doubled.  
4.157.   Bilateral investments have created good jobs in both countries. Singapore holds the largest 
stock of U .S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in Asia and th e Pacific, at approximately 
US$228  billion in 2015. This also makes the U .S. the largest foreign direct inves tor in Singapore. 
In the other direction, the total stock of FDI from Singapore into the U .S. totaled  US$19 billion in 
2015, making us the 4th largest Asian investor in the U .S.  
4.158.   We appreciate the U .S.' commitme nt 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 su pport to agriculture do not cover the 2014 Farm Act.  
4.159.   The U .S. has been at the forefront of international trade liberalization efforts. It was among 
the early ratifiers of the Trade F acilitation Agreement in 2015. The expanded Information 
Technology Agreem ent (ITA) negotiations was successfully concluded last year, thanks in large 
part to the U .S.' leadership.  Similarly, the U.S.' leadership is critical for the ongoing negotiations 
on the Environmental Goods Agreement (EGA), and on Fisheries Subsidies.  
4.160.   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 liber alization.  When the TPP l eaders met recently at the sidelines  of the APEC Summit, they 
agreed that the fundamental rationa le 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., Singa pore, and other major trading partners.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.161.   Both our countries have benefited from a strong, rules -based multilateral trading system, 
which has enhanced our economic competitiveness, created jobs, and impr oved living  standards. 
As the world 's largest economy,  we hope that the U .S. will continue to lead in promoting trade 
liberaliz ation and strengthening rules -based multilateral trading system .   
4.162.   We thank Ambassador Punke and his excellent team in Geneva for the excellent 
cooperati on between our two delegations . We also wish Ambassador Punke the very best in his 
future endeavours.  
HONG  KONG,  CHINA  
4.163.   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 ma rket, and our 
5th largest source of imports. This is an important trading relationship that we value and wish to 
build upon.  
4.164.   On the multilateral level, there are also plenty of opp ortunities 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 tradin g system, 
pursue trade liberaliz ation and reduce protectionism. We encourage the U .S. to continue its 
efforts, which  is crucial at a time when the world 's trade and economic growth is slowing down, 
and when there is a rise in anti -globaliz ation rhetoric.  
4.165.   The U .S. has been actively engaged in multilateral negotiations as well as plu rilateral 
negotiations. Together with m any other WTO Members including HKC, the U .S. is a Party to the 
expanded Information Technology Agreement, the benefits of which are shared with all WTO 
Members b y virtue of the MFN principle.  We look forward to closer cooperation with the U .S. in 
pursuing  continuous and progressive liberaliz ation in other areas including trade in serv ices and 
environmental goods.  
4.166.   On trade agreements, we wish to applaud the U .S. for being the first developed country 
Member to ratify the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), w hich will deliver significant gains to all 
WTO Member s 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 secu rity, it is of utmost importance that import security 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.  
4.167.   As for  tariffs, we are glad that the U .S. has bound almost all of its tariff lines with near ly 
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 t hat, more than a decade 
after worldwide quantitative 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.   
4.168.   On contingency measures, while HKC is pleased to see that the U .S. has not initiated any 
safeguard investigatio ns under the global provisions since 2001, we note 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 -dumpin g and 
countervailing measures. Knowing full well that remedy investigations can carry significant trade 
stifling effects, we hope Members would think twice before i nitiating 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.  
4.169.   Finally, let me conclude by thanking the U .S. Mission under the capable leadership of 
Ambassador Punke for their constructive engagement in, and contribu tions to, the work of the 
WTO.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  EUROPEAN  UNION  
4.170.   The USA is one of the most important tra ding nations of this Organiz ation. The openness 
and vitality of the U .S. economy, combined with the entr epreneurial 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 o f the financial sector has been restored, and the 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.  
4.171.   Despite – or perhaps because of - the overall feeling of uncer tainty surrounding trade 
policy, I would like to pay tribute today to the U .S.' leadership role in this Organiz ation and its 
predecessor, for over sixty years, and to its continuous commitment to an open rules -based 
trading system. This has been instrument al in p romoting the process of globaliz ation that has 
enabled many countries represented here today to trade their way to development.  
4.172.   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. We are also the 
most integrat ed economies, with more than €3. 4 trillion in reciprocal investments. So we have an 
enormous stake in the U .S.' success.  
4.173.   And, as Members know, we have been engaged since 2013 in the Transatlantic Trade and 
Investment Partnership negotiations, which include  new subje cts of relevance to this Organiz ation. 
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.  
4.174.   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 others should be considered and w here global action is 
needed.  
4.175.   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 limitations: we remain deeply concerne d by the continued use of 
Buy America and related local content restrictions, which are pervasi ve across sectors and 
level of G overnment, and have a real and significant negative impact both on the U .S. 
economy and its trading partners;  
 We continue to beli eve 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 foreign 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 in formation 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 single window in custom procedu res is an important development which 
we very much welcome. However, we recall that measures at the border, including those to 
address s ecurity objectives, such as 100 % scanning of containers, should be proportionate 
to the risks;  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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   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.  
4.176.   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 meeting.  
4.177.   In closing , let me say that the U .S. commitment to this Organiz ation, which is reflected in 
the Government and the Secretariat report, has been key to the WTO 's success.  
4.178.   Although the TPR is a retrospective exercise and we will be examining the past trade 
policies of the U .S., many Members are concerne d by the rhetoric about globaliz ation and trade 
used by the President -elect during the election campaign.  Whether these relate to penaliz ing U .S. 
companies choosing to invest abroad, increasing local content requirements on domes tic 
producers, or giving this Organiz ation 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 protectionism and exclusion. That way th e "elephant " in the room, as the 
discussant put it, can be brought back to its stable.  
KAZAKHSTAN  
4.179.   In 2012 . U.S.-Kazakhstan Strategic Partnership Commission was established. The following 
priority areas of bilateral cooperation between our countries were de termined: economy and trade, 
investment, energy, science and technology and other fields.  
4.180.   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.  
4.181.   I also would like to note that the U.S. is the major i nvestment 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 largest 
investor in Kazakhstan foll owing the European Union Member States.  
4.182.   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 sect ors, agriculture production as well as agro-processing , and 
machinery building sectors of Kazakhstan 's economy.  
4.183.   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.  
4.184.   In 2015 , the total volume of bilateral trade was equalled  to US$1.8 billion . We believe 
there is still huge  underutilized potential for further increase of bilateral trade.  
4.185.   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 vehicles for trade and 
investment di scussions. TIFA talks focus mostly on areas, including customs administration, 
investment policy, technical regulations and standards, sanitary measures, and government 
procurement system.  
4.186.   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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.187.   Using this opportunity, I also would like to thank the U.S. Government, in particular 
Ambassador Froman (USTR), Am bassador 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.  
4.188.   In the course of our complex negotiations , we use this for further  improvement of the 
investment clim ate 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.  
4.189.   I would like to wish the U.S. d elegation a successful Trade Policy Re view 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.  
REPUBLIC  OF MOLDOVA  
4.190.   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 ratification of the Tra ns-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. Bearing the fact t hat the U .S. economy is 
dominated by the services sector (including government services), which accounts for some 80% 
of GDP.  
4.191.   As well, we look forward to the further activity of the new Trade Promotion Authority 
enacted on 29 June 2015, under the 2015 Bipa rtisan Congressional Trade Priority Act, which has 
the mandate to provide associated legislative procedure for new trade agreements.  
4.192.   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 represe nts about 20% of total global output and has the sixth highest per capita GDP.  
4.193.   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. exporte d US$ 1.510 trillion in goods.  
4.194.   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 Partnership  
Agreement which prohibit the use of an ad valo rem 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.  
4.195.   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 agreement on trade 
relations and the treaty on promotion and mutual protection of investments.  
4.196.   Since 1995, Moldova enjoys unilateral preferential access to the U .S. market based on the 
Generalized System of Preferences. This system created an additional opportunity for Moldov an 
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, w hile among the most imported products fro m U.S. are cars.  
4.197.   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 capi tal, registered in the Republic of Moldova, with WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  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 
numb er 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 Corporation ". 
4.198.   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 and economic coopera tion, 
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 2016, 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.  
4.199.   The Moldovan Government is grateful for the development assistance provided by the 
USAID and the Millennium Challeng e Corporation, in areas such as regional development, social 
care, agriculture, road and other national infrastructure.  
4.200.   As well, the Moldovan Government looks forward to work with the next American 
Administration and we express our hope that the EU neighbo ring countries from Eastern Europe 
shall remain a priority on the trade and economic agen da of the new U .S. Government.  
4.201.   The Republic of Moldova is confident that the 13th exer cise of the trade policy review  will 
help the United States to achieve its econom ic objectives, while improving the global economic 
output.  
4.202.   We look forward to continue further strengthening our bilateral r elations with the 
United  States and, on behalf of the d elegation of the Republic of M oldova, I wish to the American 
delegation the u tmost success during the thirteenth WTO Trade Policy Review Cycle.  
ARGENTINA  
4.203.   Argentina and the United States entertain extremely active bilateral relations. We wish to 
refer to a number of economic and trade issues which we consider to be of interest.  
Main  bilateral economic and trade agreements  
4.204.   The Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) and the Commercial Dialogue 
(CD) were signed on the occasion of the official visit by President Barack Obama in March  2016 
and provide the vehicles for developing bilateral cooperation in all areas of economic and trade 
endeavour, with a view to fostering greater economic and investment opportunities for both 
parties. Since the TIFA and CD were signed, both countries have intensified contacts, cooperation, 
consultat ions and agenda -setting between the respective government agencies, in the fields of 
production and trade, energy, telecommunications, agro -industry, and sanitary and phytosanitary 
measures, among others.  
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement  
4.205.   The prime objective of the TIFA is to expand trade and strengthen economic relations 
between the two countries. To this end, a high -level council was set up to monitor trade relations 
and investment and identify opportunities by developing a work programme embracing  a wide 
range of subjects, from trade facilitation to cooperation in agriculture, services and information 
technology, among others. The first meeting of the TIFA Council was held in Buenos Aires on 
7 November last.1 The ministerial meeting was co -chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs 
Susana  Malcorra and Minister of Production Francisco Cabrera, for Argentina, and Ambassador 
Michael Froman, Head of the Office of the United States Trade Representative, on the US side. The 
United States Ambassador to Argenti na, Noah Mamet, was also in attendance.  
                                                
1 TIFA technical meetings were held in Buenos Aires in May and October last.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  Commercial Dialogue  
4.206.   The first Ministerial Meeting under the Commercial Dialogue instituted between the Ministry 
of Production and the US Department of Commerce was held in Washington on 26 and 27  October 
last. Progr ess was made in institutionalizing good regulatory practices (regulatory consistency); 
cooperation and exchange of experience in the implementation of trade measures (anti -dumping); 
good practices in the elaboration of development strategies; trade facilit ation; and promoting 
sectoral competitiveness. The future work programme includes cooperation in developing 
techniques and strategies for competitiveness; investments in manufacturing clusters; 
collaboration in identifying sectors and regions for sustainab le development in both countries; 
exchanging good practices in the process of attracting investment and services; cooperation in 
financing exports between EximBank and the BICE; and cooperation between the respective 
investment agencies. The Minister of Pr oduction, Francisco Cabrera, expressed his firm intention to 
hold the next Ministerial Meeting in Buenos Aires next March.  
4.207.   We now turn to a number of cases relating to access for Argentine products.  
Access to the United States market for Argentine products  
a) Lemons from the Argentine Northwest (NOA) and sweet citrus fruits from the Argentine 
Northeast (NEA) and Northwest (NOA)  
i. Liberalization process for NOA lemons: On 10 May last, the Animal and Plant Health 
Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (APHIS/USDA) 
published the proposed standard for authorizing the import of NOA lemons. The 
proposal was posted for public comment by 10  August  2016 (deadline subsequently 
extended by 30 days). APHIS/USDA is currently drawing up the final sta ndard. As 
part of this process, from 12 to 16  September last APHIS visited pre -registered 
lemon exporting establishments in Tucumán, Salta and Jujuy. We await the report of 
this mission, which we anticipate to be positive. It is estimated that to be able t o 
export in 2017 (April -August season), the standard -setting procedure would have to 
be completed before the change in the United States Administration (January  2017).  
ii. NEA and NOA sweet citrus fruits (oranges, mandarins and pomelos): In 2008, 
Argentina req uested liberalization of the US market for Argentine sweet citrus fruits 
from NEA and NOA (oranges, mandarins and pomelos). APHIS/USDA affirms that it is 
first necessary to conclude the process for NOA lemons.  
iii. Fresh Argentine meats (chilled or frozen).  
 Exports of fresh Argentine meats (chilled or frozen) have been authorized by 
APHIS/USDA. It remains to secure recognition of equivalence, to which end the 
Argentine National Agriculture and Food Quality and Health Service (SENASA) has 
submitted the requested information to the US Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS). 
From 28  November to 14  December last, FSIS carried out a visit to our country for an 
on-site evaluation in order to move forward on this recognition.  
b) Biofuel  
i. Background: On 29  August  2012, the Ar gentine Biofuel Association (CARBIO) applied 
to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for authorization to export to the 
United States biodiesel for the automotive transport sector. Argentina had only been 
authorized to export biodiesel for heating,  of which it was one of the main suppliers. 
EPA authorized exports on 27  January  2015. Biodiesel is Argentina's top export 
product to the United States in value terms. Almost 50% of US biodiesel imports in 
2015 came from Argentina, making the United States  the primary destination of our 
exports and Argentina the main supplier of this product for the US.  
ii. Lobbying: The National Biodiesel Board (NBB) and the American Soybean Association 
are conducting an intense lobbying campaign against the authorization granted by 
EPA. Actions appear to be focused on:  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  (1)  Modification of the subsidy to refineries, which would henceforth be received by 
local producers.  
(2) Appeal filed with EPA: On 12  January  2016, the NBB filed an appeal with EPA in 
respect of the authorization granted to CARBIO. The proceedings are in progress.  
iii. The current fiscal regime for biodiesel in the United States was introduced by the 
omnibus law promulgated on 18  December  2015 (Omnibus Spending Bill of the 
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016), wh ich provided for a tax credit incentive of 
one dollar per gallon of biodiesel payable to the blenders during the time -frame, 
specified retroactively, from 1  January  2015 to 31  December  2016 inclusive.  
iv. Given that the legal effects of the above regulation ce ase on 31  December next, 
two drafts have been submitted to the US Congress with a view, inter alia , to 
extending the tax benefit until 31  December  2019. Both drafts have the same legal 
intent, differing from the current law in that the activity within the scope of the tax 
credit would be biodiesel sold exclusively by taxpayers (defined as a person paying 
domestic taxes).  
v. This issue is being monitored in order to counter lobbying which may harm 
Argentina's position.  
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)  
4.208.   Argentina was suspended from the United States GSP in 2012 for failure to comply with 
rulings on investment. Although these causal factors have been removed, there has been no 
acknowledgement of this fact. In addition, under US regulations, access to the GSP  is not granted 
to high -income countries. While the World Bank placed Argentina in the list of high -income 
countries as at July  2015 (>US$12,700), the data recently revised by that organization placed it 
just under this threshold (at US$12,460).  
4.209.   On this ba sis, on 28  October last Argentina submitted a formal request to be restored as a 
GSP beneficiary country, which it reiterated at the first meeting of the TIFA Council 
(7 November  2016). On 21  November, the Office of the United States Trade Representative 
(USTR) initiated the review to determine whether Argentina meets the legal requirements to be 
designated as a developing country benefiting from the GSP. The review schedule is as follows:  
 23 December  2016: Deadline for submission of comments ahead of the h earing and 
requests to participate in the public hearing on 10  January  2017.  
 10 January  2017: Public hearing of the GSP Subcommittee of the Trade Policy Staff 
Committee (TSPC) on Argentina's eligibility for the GSP.  
 24 January  2017: Deadline for the submis sion of comments following the hearing.  
4.210.   We should now like to turn to the resumption of the operations of EximBank.  
Resumption of EximBank operations with Argentina  
4.211.   In September last, the President of the Export -Import Bank of the United States 
(EximBank),  Fred P.  Hochberg, visited Buenos Aires and, after meeting with the President of the 
Republic, announced that the Bank was resuming its operations in Argentina to grant short - and 
medium -term financing to both the public and private sectors. Mr  Hochberg un derlined that this 
resumption was made possible to a large degree by the measures taken by Argentina in recent 
months. The Bank's relations with Argentina were cleared up to an amount of US$10  million, and 
enquiries have already been received from US expor ters, in some cases initiating an approval 
process which may take between one and three months. Ms  Kate Bishop, Business Development 
Officer, Global Business Development, EximBank, has indicated that the Government might have 
new plans in December to intro duce a reform that would enable the Bank to approve loans for 
higher amounts.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  TRADE AND INVESTMENT  
Trends  
4.212.   Trade between our country and the United States in the period 2003 -2015 may be divided 
into three distinct stages, namely 2003 -2006: growth in total b ilateral trade with a slight surplus 
for Argentina; 2006 -2008: emergence of a trade deficit for Argentina; and 2009 -present: strong 
growth in imports from the US and widening of the trade deficit. Over the past decade, bilateral 
trade flows show that Argen tine sales grew by 13.3%, i.e. an annual average increase of 1.3%, 
while US sales have risen by 219.6%, i.e. 12.3% per year on average.  
2015 
4.213.   This trend towards growth in imports from the United States abated slightly in 2015, when 
imports fell from US$8,77 5 million in 2014 to US$7,655  million in 2015. Nevertheless, for the 
seventh consecutive year, Argentina registered a trade deficit, of US$4,273  million. In 2015, 
exports reached US$3,382  million, as against an average of US$4.3  billion in previous years. Total 
imports came to US$7,655  million. In 2015, the top five Argentine products exported to the US 
were biodiesel and mixtures thereof (11.4% of total exports to the US); crude petroleum oils 
(8.8%); wines (8.8%); and unwrought aluminium (5.7%). In turn, the main products imported 
from the US were: mineral fuels and mineral oils (16.3%) and aircraft (6.4%).  
Investment  
4.214.   With respect to foreign direct investment (FDI), the United States is the top source country 
in terms of stock and the first in terms of flo ws in the period 2005 -2014, with US$13.4  billion in 
the last year (stock). Over 500 US companies have a presence in our country in the 
manufacturing, mining, energy, information technology and finance sectors.  
4.215.   Argentina submitted a series of questions to t he United States in the context of this trade 
policy review, and we are grateful for the replies received this morning, which will be duly 
analysed.  
4.216.   Lastly, we wish the United States an excellent review of its trade policy, and we hope to 
work together wit h the US and other Members in order to make headway in the ongoing 
multilateral negotiations in the WTO, with a view to the forthcoming Ministerial Conference in 
Buenos Aires.  
4.217.   I cannot close my statement without wishing Ambassador Punke all the very best a nd good 
luck in his new venture.  
UKRAINE  
4.218.   Back in 2008, the year of Ukraine 's accession to the WTO, Ukraine and the United States 
signed the Charter on Strategic Partnership, the Trade and Investment Co -operation Agreement 
and established the Trade and Inve stment Council, which serves as a major forum for discussion 
of our bilateral trade and economic relations.  
4.219.   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 relationship.  
4.220.   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 unde r review, the U.S. economy continued 
to grow.  
4.221.   As a developing country, Ukraine welcomes the 2015 renewal of the U.S. Generalized 
System of Preferences programme.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.222.   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.  
4.223.   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.  
4.224.   Having concluded the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European 
Union, our largest trade partner, Ukraine is closely watching developments in U.S. -EU negotiations 
of the T ransatlantic 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 . 
4.225.   Ukraine has submitted a number of specific questions on a range of the following topics:  
 Investment regime and measures governing foreign investment.  
 Applied tariffs on some goods and possible changes in tariff policy regarding agricultural 
goods.  
 Footwe ar 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 t he Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement in the U.S. 
legislation.  
 Application of Price Loss Coverage and Agricultural Risk Coverage programmes and the 
effect of providing this price support to farmers and further details on the Small Business 
initiative.  
4.226.   We would like to express gratitude for the responses, which we are carefully reviewing.  
4.227.   In conclusion, I would like to express our deep appreciation to the U.S. delegation and 
especially to the team of the U.S. Mission to the WTO in Geneva for their hard wo rk in preparing 
for this TPR and for cooperation on the range of WTO issues.  
4.228.   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  
4.229.   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.  
4.230.   Regardless the current difficulties in the Russian -U.S. relations, the U .S. still remains one 
of Russia 's largest trading partners, and its influence on the global market cannot be 
underestimated. Russia thus commends the United States on having ratified the W TO Trade 
Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in January 2015.  
4.231.   Consequently, the Russian Federation has a number of questions with regards to the U.S. 
trade policies. In total , Russia raised over 70 questions regarding import restrictions, import 
licensing, subsi dy program mes, government procurement, intellectual property rights and banking 
services. We thank the United States for having provided written responses to our questions, and 
we will review them thoroughly.  
4.232.   We have also raised a number of questions relat ed 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 restricti ve, than necessary.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.233.   The Russian Federation would also like to recall that , at the previous TPR of the United 
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 " methodology had also been used in 
some of the cases. Among these long -lasting measures are the one s on imports of solid urea, 
hot-rolled carbon steel pla te flat products, and certain  cut-to length carbon steel plates. With 
respect to these measures we would like to 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 meas ures applied for decades, and to assess 
carefully and in compliance with the WTO requirements whether there is still a need for these 
measures.  
4.234.   To conclude, we would like to reiterate that Russia is willing to work together with the U .S. 
and the other Mem bers in order to achieve fruitful results at the 11th Ministerial Conference in 
Buenos -Aires.  
4.235.   Finally, the Russian Federation would like to congratulate the U .S. with the election of the 
new President and we look f orward to working with the new A dministrat ion in the future.  
NORWAY  
4.236.   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 e xisting 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.  
4.237.   Norway greatly values o ur close co -operation with the U .S. on fundamental areas of global 
and multilateral trade policy. We look forward to working with the incomin g administration and 
other WTO -Members to achieve concrete results in Buenos Aires.  
4.238.   We commend the U .S. for its le ading role as co -chair in the EGA ministerial meeting earlier 
this month and remain hopeful that participants will 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 co nstructive role in the negotiations on a Trade in Services Agreement.  
4.239.   Norway and the U .S. enjoy a strong bilateral trade relationship. The U .S. is Norway 's 
fourth largest source of imports and the sixth largest export destination, with a share of 
respe ctively 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 d irect investment in Norway was US$12.2 billion.  
4.240.   Norway and the U .S. have a good dialogue on trade policy issues. Parti cularly useful are 
the annual Informal Commercial Exchange talks between the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, 
Industry 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 and Atmospheric 
Administration on fisheries issues are also of great value.   
4.241.   Norway and the U .S. have joint interests in ensuring that the trade i n 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 t he 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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.242.   Norway attaches great importance to inte rnational 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 throug h 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.  
4.243.   Anti-dumping is a topic that concerns us. T he repor t by the S ecretariat (3.1.7.2) notes that 
the United States continues to be an active user of anti -dumping duties. During the period 2014 
until the end of June 2016, the number of AD investigation initiat ions 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 settlement 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 measur es and 
that ordinary legitimate competition is allowed.  
4.244.   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 suc h as pricing and transparency. 
Competition among exporters should be based on the quality and price of the offered good s and 
services, rather than on the most favorable financial terms and conditions.  
4.245.   In closing, we would like to thank A mbassador Punke and his team for all their hard work 
and express our confidence that this review will be useful for both the United State s and its trading 
partners.  
DOMINICAN  REPUBLIC  
4.246.   The United States is the Dominican Republic's most important trading partner and, 
moreover, we are parties to the CAFTA -DR Free Trade Agreement, which also includes the 
countries of Central America, whose trad e flows make it the third largest US export market in 
Latin America and the Caribbean. Trade flows between the countries making up the 
CAFTA -DR come to US$53  billion. Trade flows between the Dominican Republic and United States 
reached approximately US$12  billion in 2015, accounting for more than 45% of the 
Dominican  Republic's total trade flows. Direct US investment in the Dominican Republic in 2015 
totalled US$404.3  million, making the US the Dominican Republic's primary source of foreign 
investment.  
4.247.   In this new review of its trade policy, we would like to congratulate the Government of the 
United States since, as indicated in the WTO Secretariat report, the US economy maintained its 
growth rate during the review period, with GDP having recorded a real ann ual average growth rate 
of 2.1% since the economy recovered in the second quarter of 2009, and of 2.4% in 2014 and 
2.6% in 2015. Thanks to expansionary macroeconomic policy measures, generally low interest 
rates, and a significant stimulus package worth ov er US$800  billion, the US economy has largely 
recovered from the depth of the 2009 recession.  
4.248.   It is also indicated that growth in private consumption has been robust, and the 
unemployment rate has continued to decline, from 10% in 2009 to less than 5% at p resent. 
A strengthening labour market and growth in personal income, together with falling energy prices 
and low inflation, below the Federal Reserve's long -term objective of 2%, have boosted 
consumers' purchasing power. We nevertheless note that despite t he robust economic 
performance, considerable challenges remain, including dealing with a deteriorating infrastructure 
and rising income inequalities. The US economy is dominated by the services sector (including 
government services), which accounts for som e 80% of GDP.  
4.249.   The foreign investment regime in the United States remained unchanged during the review 
period. The regime is generally open and liberal, and the US remains the world's top destination 
for foreign direct investment, with total inflows of US$3 48.4 billion in 2015. Nevertheless, the 
current account continued to be in deficit, albeit decreasing, during the review period; it reached 
US$463billion or 2.6% of GDP in 2015.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.250.   Regarding trade policy, it appears that trade policy instruments have changed little since 
the last review. Of note is the new Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) approved on 29  June 2015 
under the 2015 Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act, which provides the associated 
legislative procedure for new trade agreements until 1  July 2018, with a possible extension for new 
agreements until 1  July 2021.  
4.251.   We welcome the new trade facilitation measures, focusing on the implementation of the 
single -window International Trade Data System (ITDS) by 31  December  2016. In the future, 
traders w ill use the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) to supply all the information 
required by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and its 47 Partner Government Agencies for 
the clearance of exports and imports. We further congratulate the United States o n ratifying the 
WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Other trade facilitation measures include continued work on 
simplified entry programmes and trusted trader programmes. We are also gratified that, at 
end 2015, the Dominican Republic, together with Mexico a nd Canada, were the only countries in 
the western hemisphere with which the CBP had concluded mutual recognition agreements, 
according to §3.15 of the Secretariat report.  
4.252.   With regard to the application of trade remedies, we are concerned by the fact that t he 
United States continues to be an active user of anti -dumping (AD) duties. During the period 2014 
to end -June 2016, the number of AD investigation initiations totalled 85. There were 
269 AD orders in place as of 30  June 2016.  
4.253.   With respect to the US agric ultural sector, we are still concerned about the 2014 Farm Bill, 
which comprises programmes worth an estimated US$489  billion from 2014 to 2018. As so large 
an amount of support is likely to have major repercussions in world markets, we are concerned 
about  the harmful effect that such support may be having on small and medium -sized producers in 
developing countries, depressing product prices and undermining their production and income. In 
particular, we have concerns regarding the Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programme, whose purpose 
is to help stabilize farm incomes by providing deficiency payments when commodity prices fall 
below certain levels. According to the USDA Farm Service Agency, payments under the PLC had 
totalled US$776.2  million by 20  May 2016 on b ase acres of long -grain rice (US$399.5  million), 
groundnuts (US$321.5  million) and canola (US$55.2  million).  
4.254.   We are also concerned about the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) programme, which 
guarantees a portion of a producer's revenue loss relative to a ta rget (benchmark) revenue from 
specified commodities. There are also subsidized insurance programmes that could create 
distortion in the agricultural market, both in the United States and internationally. By 20  May 2016 
some 919,000 farms had received ARC -CO payments totalling US$4.44  billion, primarily for 
historical base of maize (US$3.7  billion), wheat (US$349  million) and soybeans (US$317  million).  
4.255.   We are further concerned that, in December  2015, a few months after the authority of the 
Export -Import Bank  of the United States (EximBank) temporarily lapsed, the US Congress passed 
legislation to reauthorize it until 30  September  2019. Reauthorization of the EximBank comes with 
a mandate for the United States to initiate multilateral negotiations for ending e xport credit 
subsidy programmes by 2025, a time -frame which we consider excessively generous for 
eliminating these programmes which, particularly in agriculture, can have a very distorting effect 
on international markets.  
4.256.   The Dominican Republic has put a n umber of questions to the United States in relation to 
various aspects of its trade regime and we are grateful for the answers received, which we shall 
examine carefully. In conclusion, we urge the United States to continue with its efforts to sustain 
stable economic growth, after which it only remains for us to wish it much success with this trade 
policy review and in the future.  
BRAZIL  
4.257.   Brazil attaches great importance to the 13th Trade Policy Review of the United States. 
Brazil and the U.S. have a longsta nding and deep political and ec onomic 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 our manufacturing exports. However, 
despite the decline in imports from the U.S. in the period 2014 -2015,  a consequence of the decline WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  in economic activity in my countr y, Brazil continues to face a bilateral trade deficit, which is of 
particular concern to us.  
4.258.   The United States remains the largest sing le 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.  
4.259.   As one of the leading trading countries in the world, t he 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 natural and legitimate, 
Brazil recognizes the con tinuous commitment of the U.S. to this Organization. The U.S. 
engagement will be crucia l for a successful result at MC11  in Buenos Aires.  
4.260.   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.  
4.261.   From the Brazilian perspective, agriculture is an area that comes immediately to the 
forefront of our concerns.  
4.262.   In 2014, a new Farm Bill was signed into law. The act introduced majors  changes in the 
support provided to farmers.  
4.263.   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 t he insurance subsidies programs are made and what is the sh are of the risk 
covered by the G overnment. It is fundamental for the credibility of the monitoring exercise 
conducted by the CoA that the U.S. updates its notifications shortly.  
4.264.   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 b enefit 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.  
4.265.   In the period under review, we note that there 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.  
4.266.   Last year, in  Nairobi, M embers agreed to the elimination of exports subsidies to agricultural 
products and further disciplines for m easures 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 the new provisions in this area.  
4.267.   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 as high as 350%, must be noted.  
4.268.   On the other h and, 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.  
4.269.   Turning now to other areas, the United States remains a major user of anti -dumping and 
countervailing m easures. 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 
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  4.270.   My delegation follows with particular interest the application of count ervailing 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.  
4.271.   We note with uneasiness that, outside agriculture, subsidies are overwhelmingly directed 
towards the energy sector, with additional energy -related support measures at sub -national level, 
in particular fo r renewable energy.  
4.272.   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.  
4.273.   We commend the United States for being the first country to ratify the am endment, 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.  
4.274.   Let me conclude by thanking the Unites States for the written responses to our questions, 
which will be carefully reviewed in Brasilia.  
VIET  NAM 
4.275.   I also would l ike to express our association with the ASEAN Joint Statement presented by 
Lao PDR.  
4.276.   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.  
4.277.   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 
momentum for market -opening measures.   
4.278.   Trade relati ons 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.  
4.279.   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.  
4.280.   With regard to investment, the United States is among the list of top t en countries and 
economies pouring investment into Viet Nam with total accumulated capital of over US$10 billion.  
4.281.   Although trade relations between Viet Nam and the United States have developed strongly 
in recent years, bilatera l trade, in fact, has not re alized its full potential. To further p romote 
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. marke t. Therefore, we 
kindly request  the U .S. to review and apply t hese 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 recently issued findings that the application of ex ceptional WT/TPR/M/350 • 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 the "zeroing " practice. Viet Nam kindly reques ts that the U .S. 
consistently follow s and a pplies  these recommendations and rulings in other proceedings.    
4.282.   For other specific issues such as the National Export Initiative, the non -market 
anti-dumping calculations and the Presidential Memorandum on Comba ting Illegal Fishing and 
Seafood Fraud, we have sent questions to the U.S. delegation for clarification and are looking 
forward to your response.  
4.283.   Viet Nam recogniz es the United States ' important role in the multilateral trading system. 
We wish to be able t o further cooperate with the U .S. for a more liberalized trading relation 
between the two countries in the time to come.  
4.284.   Finally , I would like take this opportunity to thank Ambassador Michael Punke and his team 
for the preparation of this review as well a s their constructive and active contribution and 
engagement in WTO activities and wish the United States a successful Trade Policy Review.  
INDIA  
4.285.   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 is an 
important pillar of our partnership. The two way trade in goods and services has be en 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 Go vernments 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.  
4.286.   Legislations like the Buy American pro visions and Food safe ty moderniz ation place undue 
barriers on trade.  
4.287.   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 Jobs First Act of 2016 
and various other measure s of a protectioni st nature.  The continued restrictions on the H -1B and 
L-1 visas are impacting the Indian services industry adversely and go aga inst the spirit of free 
trade.  
4.288.   The Indian pharmaceutical industry has been facing difficulties due to the chal lenging 
regulatory environment both for registration and  marketing of their products.   
4.289.   Indian agricultural exports like rice, mango and other fruits continue to face challenges for 
market access due to the complex SPS requirements and lack of scientific s tudy based maximum 
residual li mits imposed on these products.  U.S. regulations also adversely impact shrimp exports 
from India to the United States.  
4.290.   Further, the tariff structure of the United States is complex and has significant peaks on 
products of dev eloping countries export interest.  
4.291.   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 enf orcement 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 remedies 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.   
4.292.   We urge the U .S. to desist from adopting protectionist and trade 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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  potential of the India -U.S. economic relationship and promoting trade and inve stment between 
both countries.  
4.293.   In conclusion, we would like to place on record our sincere appreciation for the leadership 
and contribution of Ambassador Michae l Punke to our work in Geneva. He has been a good friend 
and colleague. We would like to take this opp ortunity to wish him well in all his future endeavours. 
We wish the delegation of the United States a productive and successful TPR.  
EL SALVADOR  
4.294.   In this review exercise, we are pleased to observe that the United States economy is 
growing, despite the globa l economic downturn. Likewise, the US continues to be the world's top 
trade player, in trade in goods and services, in a very wide range of productive sectors.  
4.295.   We wish to acknowledge the United States' active participation and leadership in the WTO, 
both i n negotiation forums and in the regular committees, submitting proposals and making 
contributions and inputs on various issues. We therefore hope that this leadership will continue to 
be exercised in a manner consistent with the principles of multilaterali sm and respecting the 
commitments undertaken in the various instruments that govern our trade flows.  
4.296.   For the system overseen in the WTO to maintain the relevance it deserves, respect for the 
rules, certainty and commitment  are imperative, and this is all t he more important in the case of a 
Member like the United States with a view to advancing, inter alia , our work in this Organization 
and, obviously, for the upcoming and subsequent Ministerial Conferences.  
4.297.   The bilateral relationship between the United Stat es and El Salvador, be it at the political 
or commercial level or in regard to investment, dates back to the 19th century; and El Salvador will 
hence continue working on and strengthening these relations in line with principles that serve the 
cause of peac e, democracy and common well -being of and between our peoples.  
4.298.   In the area of trade, El Salvador strengthened its relationship with the United States 
ten years ago with the signing of a free trade agreement, the CAFTA -DR Since its very inception, 
this trea ty has sought to promote greater certainty both in the trading of goods and services and 
in the area of investment.  
4.299.   The United States is our principal trading partner in terms of both exports and imports, 
which display a 55% growth over the last five years . In 2015, El Salvador's exports to the 
United  States totalled US$2,563  million, while imports amounted to US$4,098  million.  
4.300.   Likewise, the United States constitutes the main source of foreign direct investment in our 
country to the tune of US$2,454  million  as at the first quarter of 2015. It invests in sectors such as 
textiles and clothing, tourism and telecommunications.  
4.301.   We also acknowledge the significant contributions made through Aid for Trade, in so far as 
El Salvador, instead of having to fulfil a ser ies of indicators on specific objectives, is one of the 
beneficiaries of a very extensive programme called the Millennium Funds, which have the broad 
objective, inter alia , of improving the investment climate in El Salvador for the sake of economic 
growth and poverty reduction by improving its infrastructure.  
4.302.   The El Salvador delegation has formulated some questions on ground -breaking issues in 
relation to digital trade in the TPP Agreement referred to in the Government report, and thanks the 
US in anticipat ion for its answers. Likewise, we have asked about the reasons underlying 
modification of the regulations governing "Mandatory Inspection of Fish of the Order Siluriformes 
and Products Derived from Such Fish".  
4.303.   In closing, I should like to spotlight the maj or contribution of Ambassador Punke to the 
work carried out in the WTO. His diplomatic skills, candour and pragmatism, as well as his 
friendship, are remarkable. We wish him all the very best in his new duties, which we are sure he 
will perform successfull y. We also congratulate him on, and wish him success in, this 13th Trade 
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  4.304.   Our best wishes to everyone for the festive season as this year draws to a close, and for a 
new year 2017 that we will be able to say is one of peace and health for all , each one of you and 
the peoples of the countries you represent, not forgetting all the team working in the Secretariat.  
PERU   
4.305.   Relations between Peru and the United States are built on a solid foundation of shared 
values and principles such as democracy a nd the rule of law, promoting and defending human 
rights, and free trade. In this latter regard, Peru concurs with the US on the value of trade for 
maintaining and creating employment, for development and for economic growth. With this in 
mind, this review  comes at an opportune time to praise the significant economic results achieved 
by the United States in recent years, in creating employment, increasing purchasing power for its 
citizens, and securing economic growth.  
4.306.   Likewise, it is appropriate to highlig ht the important role which the US plays in the WTO 
and other international trade forums and initiatives that promote opportunities of significant 
interest for our country.  
4.307.   Furthermore, at a time when the current US Administration is drawing to a close, it  is 
worth remembering that 2009, shortly before the current review period, saw an acute slump in 
global economic activity, leaving the world economy and trade with an uncertain future. The fact 
that economic growth has picked up and maintained its upward t rajectory demonstrates that the 
decisions taken in the United States and other countries were effective in tackling the crisis, for 
which we express our gratitude.  
4.308.   Despite the results mentioned, in the review period the United States has seen an increase 
in income inequalities and persistent budget and balance -of-payment deficits, the effects of which 
create insecurity in terms of the world's economic and trade future. We hope that the imbalances 
may be overcome in the coming years, for the sake of global s tability.  
4.309.   Trade relations between Peru and the United States have been benefiting from the 
advantages afforded by our Free Trade Agreement, in force since 2009, which have been a 
decisive factor in keeping our trading figures at a level in the vicinity of US$15  billion over the last 
seven years, with a peak of over US$16.5  billion in 2013. Although a slight fall in our trade has 
been observed in the last two years, we note that our non -traditional exports to the US are 
continuing to grow, opening up opportu nities for Peruvian small and medium -sized industry. With 
this in mind, we signal our willingness to continue working to develop our bilateral trade.  
4.310.   Similarly, given that this is a transition period for the US Government, we take the 
opportunity to reiter ate the importance for Peru of two plurilateral initiatives undertaken within the 
WTO and in which we share an interest with the United States: the Trade in Services Agreement 
(TISA) and the negotiations to achieve an agreement to eliminate fisheries subsi dies. We trust that 
the new Administration will take up those projects as keenly as the outgoing Administration.  
4.311.   Peru has formulated a number of questions on the basis of the content of the reports 
drawn up for this review. Our questions address two issues . First, we would like to have more 
details on the new trade facilitation systems introduced by the US, such as the Automated 
Commercial Environment (ACE) and the International Trade Data System (ITDS), so as to be able 
to utilize them more effectively and  render dealings with the US customs authority more efficient. 
Secondly, Peru has submitted questions relating to the US intellectual property protection system, 
both on the role of Internet service providers and civil society and on inspection mechanisms,  
according to the format, whether electronic or physical, for goods protected by IP rights.  
4.312.   Peru thanks the United States in anticipation for its replies, which will be carefully 
analysed. In addition, we wish the US every success in its 13th Trade Policy Review.  
JAPAN  
4.313.   Japan highly appreciates the contribution of the United States to the maintenance and 
strengthening of the multilateral trading system since the establishment of the GATT/WTO. I have WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  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.  
4.314.    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 M C9 in Bali and MC10 in 
Nairobi.  
4.315.   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 protection ist argument seen during the presidential election campaign.  
4.316.   Trade liberalization and facilitation embodied by multilateral partnerships, 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.  
4.317.   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 will bring remarkable development, not only for Japan, but also for world trade as a 
whole. I would like to touch upon some of t hese issues now.  
4.318.   Japan is concerned that the United States has continued to implement certain kinds of 
Anti-Dumping measures. The average duration of these measures is approximately 17 years and 
one has even been maintained since 1978. We urge the immediat e elimination of these unfair 
long-term measures.  
4.319.   Taking this opportunity, Japan would like to remind the United States that implementation 
of the Byrd Amendment should be fully consistent with the WTO agreement.  
4.320.   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. However, 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 price range basis with the GATT obligation  
4.321.   Second, Japan continues to be concerned about the expansion of measures under the Bu y-
American provisions in various laws and regulations, including those at the local government level, 
which would have further adverse impacts on business. Japan urges the United States to ensure 
that the introduction and implementation of any such measure s should not become a loophole for 
protectionism, and should be consistent with the objectives of WTO rules, such as those under the 
Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).  
4.322.   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 concerned about this measure, since there is a risk of cancellation of 
export authorization. This measure hinders not only trade  but also further investment in the United 
States.  
4.323.   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, Japan is concerned by the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act, which require s countries exporting seafood to the United States to 
demon strate 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 
4.324.   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 
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  4.325.   Finally, let me express my  sincere appreciation to my dear colleague, Michael, for your 
friendship as well as your valuable contributions to the WTO. Although, the WTO has been 
somewhat inactive for years, but I dream, someday , that I may read a book titled  "The Revenant: 
A Novel o f 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 will cross again.  
INDONESIA  
4.326.   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.  
4.327.   But, on the outset, let me reaffirm this body, that the ties  between Indonesia and the U.S. 
go beyond th e fact that the U.S. is the largest economy, as well as the largest trading en tity in the 
world. Our ties go  beyond the fact that Indone sia 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 ha ve been intensively cooperating  through our  Trade 
and Investment Framework  since twenty years ago.  
4.328.   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, such as: rubber, palm oil, and coconut (copra), as well as fish 
products. Meanwhile, the U .S.' exports to Indonesia are dominate d by soya beans, wheat, cotton, 
and electronic appliances.  
4.329.   Although the value of total non -oil and non-gas trade between our two countries 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.  
4.330.   Export trend in 2016 – when compared to last year – demonstrated an improvem ent; 
whereby Indonesian non -oil and non-gas export to the U.S. exhibited a rise in 0.46%, f or 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 trad e balance with the U.S., on 
non-oil and non -gas products  experienced a 19.64% annual increase.  
4.331.   Durin g the same period, the U .S. maintained its strong position as one of Indonesia 's most 
important source for non -oil consumer products.  
4.332.   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 2 015 year, the U .S. was our largest export destination.   
4.333.   The U .S. is also an important source of foreign direct investment. Total investment in 
Indonesia, by entities from the U .S., in 2015 alone, reached US$893.2 million; making the U.S. as 
the 9th larges t foreign investor in Indonesia – with investment allocated to over 261 projects.  
4.334.   We believe that investment plays an important role in raising trade volumes, between the 
U.S. and Indonesia. However, we als o highlight the important roles that trade and inv estment play  
in determining Indonesia 's economic growth and development.  
4.335.   In this context , Indonesia wishes to reiterate  the importance to seriously consider  the 
various development aspects, pertaining to the host country 's investment policies. Such 
conside ration will ensure mutual benefits, not only amongst business practitioners in both 
countries, but will bring benefits  also to the people of both countries.  
4.336.   Besides the strong and positive bilateral economic ties achieved during t he 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. WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.337.   Finally, I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing, once again, my profound 
appreciation to the U.S. delegation for it s hard work. Indonesia wishes the U .S. every success in 
its thirteenth Trade Policy Review.  
4.338.   I would also express my special gratitude 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  that, I believe , will be another best seller.  
GUATEMALA  
4.339.   We wish to underscore the excellent research and analysis carried out by the 
WTO Secretariat, visible in the report being discussed today. It gives us a very complete and 
detailed overview of the macroeconomic situation and of the trade policies implemented by the 
United States over the last two years. We also wish to extend  our sincerest thanks to the 
Swedish  Ambassador, Mr  Daniel Blockert, for the highly objective and detailed presentation and 
analysis he has been good enough to share with us today, in his capacity as Discussant.  
4.340.   I would like to take this opportunity to str ess the importance for Guatemala of its relations 
with the United States in various areas of our foreign policy. Our relationship has always been 
characterized by strong bonds of friendship and cooperation in areas such as political affairs, trade 
and secu rity, among others.  
4.341.   The United States is our principal trading partner. According to figures for 2015, some 35% 
of Guatemala's exports go to the US market; they include, inter alia , articles of clothing, coffee, 
bananas and a wide range of fruits and veget ables, as well as precious and semi -precious metals.  
4.342.   In the opposite direction, over 36% of Guatemalan imports came from the United States in 
the same period. These consisted mainly of manufactured goods, such as petroleum products, 
machinery and mechanica l appliances, and vehicles and transport equipment, together with plastic 
products, transmitters and receivers.  
4.343.   Our trade relations with the United States are based on a solid relationship which has been 
cemented since the 1980s thanks to the implementatio n of the Caribbean Basin Initiative and 
subsequently through the Central American -United States -Dominican Republic Free Trade 
Agreement (CAFTA -DR). July  2016 marked the tenth anniversary of the entry into force of the 
CAFTA -DR for Guatemala. In that time, the flow of trade with the United States has increased 
significantly. In 2006, our annual imports and exports totalled US$6,613  million, as compared with 
a total of US$10,191  million in 2015 (equivalent to an increase of approximately 35% over a 
period of nine years).  
4.344.   The CAFTA -DR has contributed to an important process of liberalization of trade in goods 
and services. Ten years on since the treaty entered into force, 90% of the total number of tariff 
lines are in free trade and the remaining 10% form part of an additional tariff reduction 
programme which will come to an end over the next ten years. The Agreement has also been an 
important platform for promoting investment between our countries, strengthening production 
linkages, reducing transaction costs a nd expanding the range of products available to consumers.  
4.345.   On the subject of the report on the United States' trade policies which concerns us today, 
we are pleased to note continued US economic growth, following the recession experienced in 
2007-2009, as well as the implementation of significant trade facilitation measures, such as 
application of the International Trade Data System, which will act as a single window as from next 
year, and strengthening of the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). In term s of future 
challenges, we would point to the need to pursue efforts to keep the current account deficit under 
control and implement mechanisms to contain the fiscal deficit.  
4.346.   We recognize the efforts made by the United States and the major successes it has  
achieved during the review period. We are also grateful for the answers to the questions 
Guatemala has asked during the course of this review.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.347.   We hope to go on strengthening our important trade links, and we wish the United States 
delegation a successful conclusion to its country's trade policy review.  
BENIN  ON BEHALF  OF THE LDC GROUP  
4.348.   The United States is a major economy whose legal and institutional framework necessarily 
has an impact on the organization of economic and trade activities at the regional an d 
international levels. This applies equally to work under the Doha Round of multilateral trade 
negotiations.  
4.349.   It is for this reason that, on the occasion of this 13th US trade policy review, the LDC Group 
would like to emphasize the importance of trade arr angements such as the African Growth and 
Opportunity Act (AGOA), HOPE and HELP, which provide for preferential access for exports from 
LDCs on the US market.  
4.350.   The LDC Group welcomes the extension of the US Generalized System of Preferences until 
31 December  2017. It would at the same time urge the United States to ensure greater security in 
terms of access to the US market for exports from LDCs under duty -free quota -free (DFQF) 
market access schemes, and in terms of reducing the constraints associated with t he duration and 
scope of preferences.  
4.351.   The LDC Group would also like to stress that the rules of origin under the US GSP have 
remained unchanged since the previous trade policy review, as a result of which the LDCs still face 
difficulties to attain the high  threshold of 35% given their low production capacity and small 
markets. In this connection, the Group would like to know when the United States expects to be in 
a position to implement the Nairobi Decision on Preferential Rules of Origin for LDCs. One iss ue is 
the rules of origin calculation method based on the valuation of non -originating materials when 
determining the substantial transformation of products entering the US from LDCs.  
4.352.   The LDC Group acknowledges the value of the commitments undertaken by th e 
United  States in Nairobi on the issue of cotton, regarding DFQF market access, export subsidies 
and the development dimension of cotton. The Group wishes to obtain information from the US on 
the action it intends to take to address the domestic subsidies  it grants for cotton, which have 
distorting effects on international trade in this product.  
4.353.   With regard to the services waiver, the LDC Group would like to know how the 
United  States contemplates accompanying the efforts of LDC service providers to enable  them to 
benefit fully from the US preferential treatment notifications. Furthermore, the Group invites the 
United States to supplement its notifications towards lifting administrative restrictions and 
reducing the costs of applications for visas, work per mits and residence permits for LDCs. A further 
concern which the LDCs would like to raise relates to the obstacles to market access for qualified 
LDC contractual service suppliers and independent professionals meeting the requirements of 
US consumers.  
4.354.   The LDC Group thanks the United States for the answers provided, in accordance with the 
TPR mechanism. The Group appreciates the extensive collaboration between the United States and 
the LDCs on the latter's priorities within the WTO, and urges the US to conti nue in this vein.  
4.355.   The Group wishes to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of the contribution 
that Ambassador Michael Punke, supported by the Deputy Permanent Representative, 
Mr Christopher Wilson and his colleagues, has made to our work duri ng his term of office in 
Geneva. The Group wishes him every success in his future career.  
TRINIDAD  AND  TOBAGO  
4.356.   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 America on another manifestation of that democratic tradition through its recently 
concluded Presidential Election. Trin idad and Tobago looks forward to building on the excellent ties WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  existing between the two nations, benefitting from symbiotic economic development and to 
fostering even greater engagement on matters of trade and investment.  
4.357.   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.  
4.358.   The trade surplus that Trinidad and Tobago enjoys with the U .S. is primarily due to 
petroc hemical exports to that country. Over recent years , due to the diversification of Trinidad and 
Tobago 's petrochemical export portfolio and shortfalls in natural gas production in Trinidad and 
Tobago, the value of the trade surplus has declined. We look for ward however, to the continuation 
and the expansion of this mutually beneficial commercial relationship.  
4.359.   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 h as noted the efforts of the 
United States in relation to support for the Agreement. We welcome continued participation by the 
U.S. in contributing to the effective implementation of the TFA in developing countries. The 
benefits of the TFA will only be real ized 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.  
4.360.   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 the U .S. as vital elements in its economic relations with its 
neighbours in the Caribbean and Central America.  
4.361.   The delega tion of Trinidad and Tobago has noted the Eleventh Report to Congress on the 
Operation of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), which was prepared by the 
Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on 30 December 2015. Notwithstand ing 
the initial aims of the CBI, it is clear that the CBI also provides important benefits to the United 
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 %. 
4.362.   Trinidad and Tobago has been identified as the leading source of U .S. imports entering 
under CBI tarif f preferences since 2005. Conversely, Trinidad and Tobago represented the second 
largest market for U .S. exports to the CBI region in 2014. My delegation looks forward to building 
on this and similar initiatives that aim to drive the partnership in new and  exciting directions.  
4.363.   We have submitted a number of written questions to the delegation of the United States of 
America and express our gratitude for the responses provided.  
4.364.   Trinidad and Tobago is committed to further strengthening our excellent relationsh ip with 
the United States of America and we wish that country every success in its Trade Policy Review.  
COSTA  RICA 
4.365.   Costa Rica and the United States are bound by history, politics , culture and even sports. 
For more than 160 years , we have been strategic par tners and have lived through historical events 
that have strengthened our relationship, now more than ever. From being football rivals in our 
region to partners into the combat against climate change and fighting illegal trade, to promoting 
bilateral touri sm, we cooperate a nd work together in many areas. More than 125,000 Costa Rican s 
currently live and work in the United States, their home away from home . The same happens for 
almost 16 ,000 United States citizens that have chosen the warm , sandy beaches of Costa Rica as 
their heaven. In 2015, more than 1 million U.S. tourists visited Costa Rica,  and we became part of WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  the top ten leisure destinations for  U.S. citizens. Together we have enriched our cultures and lives, 
growing and supporting each other 's ventu res.  
4.366.   Since its last trade policy review, the U.S. has been able to keep a sustained real GDP 
growth rate , and has achieved a reduction of the unemployment rate below 5%. The Obama 
Administration has also taken important s teps towards eliminating fossil -fuel subsidies. This is a 
remarkable achievement given the size of its economy , but attention must be paid to the effect of 
international oil prices. In its Gov ernment report, the U.S. trade policy a genda highlights the 
importance given t o sustainable develo pment and i s a reflection of the new global stance  towards 
cleaner energies and technologies. We highly encourage the efforts taken on this direction and 
look forward to the continuati on of these actions by the new A dministration.  
4.367.   As expressed in the Secre tariat report for this TPR, the U.S. continues to be an active 
Member in negotiations within the multilateral trading system  (MTS) . An example of this 
engagement and of its benefits is the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) of which my 
country is also member. After its entry  into force , the ITA secured a new variety of advanced and 
high technology foreign investment  to settle in Costa Rica. This FDI initially originated from the 
United States and the exchange of capital and knowledge with the U.S. has b enefitted both 
economies and particularly opened the doors to further integrate Costa Rica with the world 
through global value cha ins and to move towards a more S ervices and K nowledge -based economy.  
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 
2015. It is also worth mentioning that the United States is Costa Rica 's main commercial partner. 
Between the yea rs 2005 and 2015, our bilateral trade grew at an annual average of 3.7%. Whilst  
in 2005, bilateral trade added over US$7 billion, in 2015 , the amount has reached US$1 0.1 billion. 
The importance  for Costa Rica of this positive commercial exchange is reflect ed in ou r insertion  
into five major global value chains, which was boosted by the increase of FDI in areas such as 
medical devices, aeronautics and digital technologies.  
4.368.   On a bilateral level, Costa Rica and the United States, along with the Central Americ an 
countries and the Dominican Republic, signed a Free Trade Agreemen t, commonly referred to as 
CAFTA -DR, which entered into force for Costa Rica 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 d respect to the rules -based 
trading system and vision of trade as an engine for development and creator of opportunities.  This 
progressive approach has led us to n egotiate an FTA and also work jointly in recent plurilateral 
negotiations. We look forward to continue working with the same ideals of transparency, 
inclusiveness and viewing trade as an engine of growth , that have  translated into positive 
outcomes for so many Costa Ricans and U.S. citizens.  
4.369.   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 bee n able to perform all these wide -ranging tasks with leadership 
and grace, handling the art of negotiation and diplomacy while being loyal to his values with 
chivalry and pragmatism. Michael, on behalf of my delegation and mine, I wish you a continued 
path of success in your future endeavours. I t has been an honour to work by your side for the past 
three years.  
4.370.   Costa Rica submitted questions for this review and we thank the United States for the 
diligent  responses. We have already  delivered them to San José and in case further comments are 
presented, we will proceed according to the TPR mechanism.  
4.371.   Finally, I wish the United States a very successful Trade Policy Review and wish you all 
Happy Holidays, and some well -deserved rest, as 2017 promises to be very in tense and full of 
excitement.  
TURKEY  
4.372.   In many respects the U .S. is the largest economy 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 t he U.S. trade policies directly influences the global economy. WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  Therefore, the U.S. has to be mindful of the impact of its policies on th e global economy and, as a 
WTO M ember, to seek the smooth functioning of the multilateral trading system.  
4.373.   Turkey notes w ith satisfaction the positive developments registered in the U.S. Economy 
after the financial crisis.  
4.374.   As pointed out in the Secretariat r eport, the U.S. economic performance has remained on a 
moderate growth trajectory and economic fundamentals continued t o strengthen in general during 
the period under review. Despite the positive developments, challenges such as slowdown of 
productivity growth in most industries and rising income inequality across socio -economic groups 
remain. In this regard, faster produc tivity growth, supported by well -designed investments in 
innovation, infrastructure, skills and inclusiveness would help to address such challenges.  
4.375.   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 
environment. The Secretariat report indicates that there have been no major changes in the 
general institutional and legal framework affecting trade policy formulation and impleme ntation 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.  
4.376.   In terms of trade policy regime of the U.S., Turkey submitted a number of written 
questions i n advance, seeking further detail and clarification on policy direction and approach. 
These questions, in general, relate to United States ' trade and investment regime, trade policies 
and practices by measure, intellectual property rights and services sect or. I am grateful to the 
U.S. for their responses. We will examine them carefully.  
4.377.   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 fo r 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 bilater al trade volume decreased to 
US$7.5  billion in 2015. However, it is clear that these 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.  
4.378.   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. businesses. 
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 Cauca sus) from their 
offices in Turkey.  
4.379.   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 wit h both parties in order to adequately assess the special situation of the 
Customs Union vis -à-vis the TTIP.  
4.380.   Before concluding, I commend U.S. d elegation 's active contributions to, and orientation in 
the WTO negotiations under the leadership of Ambassador P unke. On this occasion, I would like to 
express my farewell to Ambassador Punke and wish him the best in his future endeavo ur. 
PARAGUAY  
4.381.   The figures contained in the Secretariat report confirm the importance of the United States 
and its role as one of the d rivers of the global economy. The reduction in unemployment and the 
sustained growth of private consumption indicate that the US has successfully overcome the crisis 
that prevailed at the beginning of President Obama's Administration.  
4.382.   This progress lays th e foundation for addressing the challenges of improving infrastructure 
and reducing inequalities in income distribution facing the incoming Administration.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.383.   The United States remains the top importer and second largest exporter, which means that 
its actions  have a significant bearing on the conduct of global trade. This influence is reinforced by 
its position as the top recipient of investment and a significant investor itself.  
4.384.   With this in mind, we are confident that the United States will continue to show the 
leadership which befits its economic weight and the magnitude of its market. This leadership was 
crucial in past WTO ministerial meetings to promote the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the 
removal of export subsidies. The United States can also drive effective implementation of these 
outcomes. We are sure that the US will contribute to seeking positive outcomes in the upcoming 
Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires, outcomes that will promote trading with rules that 
minimize restrictions and distortion s. 
4.385.   The WTO Membership is waiting on the future of US trade policies, as reflected in the large 
number of questions that have been submitted (over 1,600). My country is grateful for the replies 
to our questions, which focused on trade facilitation, in parti cular in the area of services.  
4.386.   It is worth pointing out that our delegation pays special attention to the development of 
US policies on agriculture, in particular the preparations for the next revision of the Farm Bill, as 
well as the implementation of the  Food Safety Modernization Act and its potential impact on 
international trade.  
4.387.   Again in regard to agriculture, we note with interest that the use of amber box support 
measures has levelled out and we will pay greater attention to the increase in green box  support. 
We are also monitoring the diminishing but constant use of special safeguards which affected a 
small number of agricultural tariff lines. Nevertheless, we underline the need to maintain updated 
notifications in order to continue promoting the goa ls of predictability.  
4.388.   Lastly, I must highlight the excellent bilateral relations – economic, political, social and 
cultural – that my country maintains with the United States. In 2015, regrettably, trade flows in 
both directions fell by 18%. Our country is  in deficit in this trade, although the deficit narrowed in 
2015. The US remains Paraguay's fourth biggest supplier of goods, primarily capital goods and 
technology.  
4.389.   However, the United States is important for Paraguay primarily because of its role as the 
biggest foreign direct investor in our economy, with investments in the services sector, mainly for 
logistics and industry. These are sectors that promote change in our country's production patterns 
and facilitate our integration in international trade, de spite the handicap of being a landlocked 
nation.  
4.390.   In closing, it is worth highlighting that Paraguay and the United States share the same 
vision of the need to strengthen the rules -based multilateral trading system, shaping a system 
that promotes trading an d reduces restrictions and distortions. We are confident that the 
US Government will continue promoting the improvement of the multilateral trading rules at the 
next Ministerial Conference.  
4.391.   I would like to offer renewed congratulations to those leading thi s review and to the 
delegates from the Permanent Mission of the United States of America in Geneva for their 
invariably active involvement in the different areas of this Organization's work.  
NEW  ZEALAND  
4.392.   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 innov ation, research and investment.  We 
value our excellent bilateral r elationship which is supported by cooperation between businesses 
through trade in goods and services, investment, education and tourism.  
4.393.   The United States ' ongoing contribution to the WTO, including the monitoring and 
enforcing of commitments to their bila teral, plurilateral and regional trade agreements, is also 
valued by New Zealand. As a country that firmly supports the multilateral trading system and the 
benefits it brings, New Zealand appreciates the role the US has played.  The special responsibility WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  major players have in supporting the multilateral trading system is something New Zealand wishes 
to remind the United States of during this review process.  
4.394.   In this regard, New Zealand welcomes the United States ' confirmation that it will 
implement the Nair obi WTO MC10 Export Competition Decision to eliminate export subsidies by 
amending its WTO schedule. This is a particularly welcome example of the United States ' 
contribution to trade liberaliz ation and the strengthening of th e multilateral trading system.  It will 
come as no surprise to the U .S. or others though to hear our expectation that the U .S. extends 
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 Membe rs that continues to u se 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 s hort term increase in imports. While this is of 
concern for obvious commercial reasons we raise it here given its broader implications for the 
multilateral trading system and especially as we look to the elimination of the SSG at MC11.  
4.395.   In terms of future reforms, New Zealand nonetheless values its cooperation with the 
United States to help build consensus around a range of global trade issues, not least the reform 
of fisheries and fossil fuels. The U .S. has consistently been amongst the most active proponents 
for effective WTO prohibitions of harmful fisheries subsi dies, both multilaterally and more recently 
in a plurilateral setting and we look forward to seeing these two tracks conclude successfully at 
MC11 following the fa ilure 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 government to reform the 16 inefficient policies identified by the G20 review.  
4.396.   New Zealand takes note of the improvements in recent years to its agricultura l policy, and 
hopes that these reform s will con tinue in such a way that minimiz es potential trade distortions. 
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.   
4.397.   We also note with some concern that the U .S. has not sub mitted an agriculture domestic 
support notification since 2013. While we recogniz e 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 th e WTO Com mittee on Agriculture.  As a major agriculture producer, 
exporter and subsidizer  this represents a significant 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.  
4.398.   On the issue of notifications more generally, New Zealand also encourages the United 
States to continue considering ways to bring a greater level of transparency to the large number of 
sub-federal measures and regulations that impact on international trade.   
4.399.   In closing, I would like to emphasiz e 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 ' respo nses to 
questions and comments raised during this review.  
LAO PEOPLE 'S DEMOCRATIC  REPUBLIC  ON BEHALF  OF ASEAN  
4.400.   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 f oreign direct investment (FDI).  In 
2014, bilateral trade between ASEAN and the U .S. amounted to over US$ 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.  
4.401.   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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.402.   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 AS EAN-U.S. Cooperation in Fostering Transparency and Good Regulatory Practices and 
the ASEAN -U.S. Cooperation in Fostering International Investment.  
4.403.   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 economy, 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, and assisting the private sector in ASEAN through the ASEAN -U.S. Connect 
Initiative.  
4.404.   A number of ASEAN members have benefitted from the U.S. Generalized S ystem 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 
to other eligible ASEAN Beneficiary Developing Countries.  
4.405.   2017 marks the 40th Anniversary of ASEAN -U.S. dialogue relations, and we look forward to 
renewing our strong partnership and working toward new milestones for cooperation under the 
new U .S. Administration.  
4.406.   Some of us in the ASEAN have submitted written qu estions to the United States and we 
thank the United States in advance for its written responses. We also express our thanks to 
Ambassador Michael Punke and his delegation from Washington and in Geneva for their 
participation in today 's review and their co nstructive engagement with the ASEAN delegations here 
in Geneva.  
LAO PEOPLE 'S DEMOCRATIC  REPUBLIC  
4.407.   Now I am delivering on behalf of my country.  
4.408.   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 policy and for responses to the written questions.  
4.409.   Lao PDR considers the United States to be an important trading partner, with full potential 
of trade coope ration yet to be realized. In 2015, total merchandise trade between our two 
countrie s amounted to approximately US$ 72.2 million, with a posi tive trade balance of about 
US$23 million for Lao PDR. The annual growth in value of Lao exports to the U .S. stood a t 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 usefu l tool for us to increase cooperation with 
the U .S. We are dedicated to making sure that Lao PDR is a market -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 unilatera l preferences.  
4.410.   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.  
4.411.   Finally, we hope that our fruitful trade and economic relationship with  the United States of 
America will grow further and stronger.  
ECUADOR  
4.412.   We are interested to participate in this trade policy review, as the United States is the 
world's top importer and second leading exporter of goods and services, a status it has retaine d 
even though merchandise imports and exports contracted in 2015 owing, in the case of imports, to WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  lower oil prices and rising domestic production of crude oil and natural gas, and, in the case of 
exports, to weak global demand and a stronger dollar.  
4.413.   We no te from the Secretariat report that the US economy, which is the single largest in the 
world, continued to expand during the review period, real GDP having grown at annual rates of 
2.4% and 2.6% in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and by 1% in the first half o f 2016.  
4.414.   My delegation welcomes the fact that, according to the data provided in the Secretariat 
report, the unemployment rate has continued to fall, and now stands at 5%, as against 10% in 
2009. All this is shaping the 2016 Trade Policy Agenda, which seeks  to promote growth and 
support well -paying jobs.  
4.415.   Another point worth making is that the foreign investment regime remains generally open, 
although some restrictions may apply for national security reasons. The SelectUSA programme 
continues to be the Federa l Government's primary vehicle for promoting inward investment in the 
United States.  
4.416.   Nevertheless, one of the concerns which emerge from reading and analysing the document 
prepared by the Secretariat relates to the drop in investment in the fourth quarter of 2015 and the 
first two quarters of 2016, due to inventory adjustment, declines in equipment and infrastructure 
investment, and the adverse impact of lower crude oil prices on investment in the energy sector.  
4.417.   Another concern that warrants attention is th e fact that the United States continues to be 
an active user of anti -dumping (AD) measures and countervailing duties (CVD). Indeed, the 
number of AD investigations initiated climbed to 85 in the review period, and there were 
269 AD duty orders in place as of June  2016. A total of 60 CVD investigations were initiated, and 
69 CVD orders were likewise in place in June  2016.  
4.418.   The Secretariat's document reports that revision of the US export control system is under 
way through the Export Control Reform (ECR) init iative, which aims to achieve a reallocation of 
resources to improve controls on the more sensitive items and seeks to rely on a unified control 
list, a single licensing agency, an integrated technology platform for licensing, and a single 
enforcement coor dination centre. We should be grateful to obtain more information on this reform.  
4.419.   We also note from the Secretariat report that the services sector is of key importance for 
the US economy. To take one example, the financial services industry has recovered from the 
financial crisis and most financial institutions have repaid the money that they received from the 
Government's Troubled Asset Relief Programme (TARP) during the crisis. Likewise, trade in 
telecommunication services has recorded a surplus.  
4.420.   To conc lude, we would like to thank the delegation of the United States in anticipation for 
its answers to the questions concerning certain aspects of its trade policy that we have forwarded 
to the Secretariat, which will provide important inputs for strengthenin g bilateral relations in the 
area of foreign trade.  
CHILE  
4.421.   We express our greetings to the delegation of the United States, led by Ambassador 
Michael Punke, with whom we have over the years established a cordial and fruitful professional 
relationship. We th ank him for the work he has performed in the WTO and wish him every success 
in the next stage of his career.  
4.422.   On a more light -hearted but no less important note, I can also tell you that we both belong 
to the group of nine countries called "New -World Wines" , in which we have partaken in delightful 
evenings of cooperation between competitors, thus demonstrating how we can reconcile 
cooperation and competition in order to expand our markets.  
4.423.   We shall not dwell on aspects of US trade policy, which have been ade quately summarized 
and highlighted in the Secretariat report, in the presentation by the Chair, and by the Discussant. 
We concur with the assessment made in those reports, as well as the systemic concerns raised. 
We have submitted 18 questions, and shall b e grateful for the replies to them.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.424.   Bilateral relations between the United States and Chile now go back more than 
two centuries. During this lengthy period, starting from our own respective historical realities, 
interests and processes, we have been able t o find common ground in order to build a 
comprehensive relationship on an equal footing. We would also cite technical cooperation, research 
and higher education and the lifting of visa requirements for travel to the United States.  
4.425.   Our relations are founded  on mutual respect, at the bilateral and multilateral levels. We 
tackle new shared challenges in the delicate global equilibrium and co -existence between peoples. 
Today, we strongly converge on politics, culture and business economics. We value free trade and 
an open economy, and we have worked to expand markets, make the trading system more 
equitable, and combat protectionism and distortions. Our country trusts that these common 
aspirations will be preserved going forward, within the framework of our bilat eral and plurilateral 
agreements, and especially within the WTO.  
4.426.   On the political side, the bilateral meeting under the Political Dialogue Mechanism was 
recently held in Santiago, with a US delegation led by Under -Secretary of State Thomas Shannon.  
4.427.   Our eco nomic and trade relations are framed by our Free Trade Agreement, which has 
already liberalized 100% of trade in goods.  
4.428.   The United States is our second largest trading partner for goods and the largest for 
services. In ten years, trade has grown by an annu al average of 11%. Specifically, in 2015 trade in 
goods totalled US$19,959  million, accounting for 16.1% of Chile's external trade.  
4.429.   The United States is the top foreign investor in Chile, accounting for 25.8% of the 
cumulative total, primarily in mining an d business, to the tune of US$29  billion.  
4.430.   In the other direction, the US remains the fifth largest recipient of Chilean direct 
investment, in services and mining, for a total of US$8,527  million in the last 15 years. This is a 
substantial figure in regard to the size of our economy.  
4.431.   We are pleased that the United States has promptly ratified the TFA. In this regard, we 
note with interest that by the end of the year the US will have a single -window system which will 
allow businesses to input all the informat ion required by the authorities online.  
4.432.   The zeal which the United States displays in incorporating IT solutions and in exploiting the 
advantages of the Internet to develop the economy is a focus which our country shares. Testimony 
to this are our joint eff orts to make progress in e -commerce and digitization of our economic and 
trade processes in general, as a success factor for competitiveness and at the same time 
integration, for example in respect of SMEs. We have worked on all these aspects within the AP EC 
and TPP, of which we are both members. Likewise, in Geneva, we have made progress in the 
TISA negotiations, which we hope to pursue in the next six months.  
4.433.   I would like to make special mention of the initiative called "Our Oceans" for the protection 
of our seas. We have pushed this initiative forward on a global scale. One of the aspects 
considered is eliminating fisheries subsidies, and we are working multilaterally and plurilaterally to 
reach an agreement in line with Target 14.6 of the Sustainable Dev elopment Goals.  
4.434.   The same can be said of the necessary impetus to be given e -commerce and e -trade in 
general, on which we hope to reach an agreement at MC11.  
4.435.   In the same vein, we congratulate the United States and its Federal Communications 
Commission for t he adoption in 2015 of an Open Internet Order enshrining fundamental concepts 
of network neutrality, no blocking or no paid prioritization for online traffic.  
4.436.   We concur with our partner in advocating a balanced intellectual property system. This is a 
value  we share. Regarding the Special 301 Report, it is indicated in the Secretariat report that the 
authorities are employing all trade policy tools to meet this objective.  
4.437.   With this in mind, Chile reiterates the importance of amicable dialogue conducted in go od 
faith to resolve disputes, through the mechanisms and forums set up for that purpose. One of the WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  pillars of the multilateral trading system is certainty and legal security. Unilateral instruments 
outside the WTO mechanisms for dialogue and international  agreements do not help the spirit of 
cooperation which must prevail among countries.  
4.438.   In another highly relevant area for bilateral relations, Chile hopes that the US Congress will 
move forward on approval of the Double Taxation Agreement concluded between  the two parties.  
4.439.   Last but not least, we wish the United States a positive 13th Trade Policy Review, with the 
conviction that our bilateral relations will continue to flourish. Likewise, we trust that the 
United  States will continue working to strengthen t he WTO. We must come to the next Ministerial 
Conference in Buenos Aires united in these aims, in order to bolster the multilateral agenda, 
especially in agriculture, services, fisheries, e -commerce and eliminating distortions.  
ICELAND  
4.440.   I would like 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 career.  
4.441.   The Un ited 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.  
4.442.   The U.S. is also one of the largest forei gn 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.  
4.443.   But our r elationship 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 strengthening ou r 
relationship, not least in the field of trade.  
4.444.   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 on a broad r ange of issues, including negotiation processes such as TiSA, EGA and efforts 
to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies.  
4.445.   I did not come here just to offer my compliments and congratulations. Like all close 
partners, we have occasional disagreements and poin ts of friction that require our attention. And 
when it comes to trade, the TPR is an appropriate forum to raise them.  
4.446.   I will limit my remarks to three specific and sometimes recurring areas of particular 
concern/relevance to Iceland.  
4.447.   The first is 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 communities 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 recon sider its position.  
4.448.   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 pri nciples upon which the WTO was founded. We would 
therefore ask the U.S. to reconsider these restrictions.  
4.449.   Finally, Iceland, like ma ny other fish exporting nations  are closely following the 
implementation of the new regulations by the United States 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 WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  objective of the Seafood Traceability Rule of co mbatting 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 and 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 account ecosy stem 
effects.  
4.450.   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.  
4.451.   We continue to need the strong leadership of the U.S. for further development of our rule 
based multilateral trading system.  
4.452.   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 forcefully the econ omic benefits of globalization.  
MAURITIUS  
4.453.   The prospects for sustained growth of the single largest eco nomy in the world augur well. 
We watched with interest the recent economic forecast of the Federal Reserve Bank and the 
daunting challenges would be to ba lance 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.  
4.454.   Mauritius and the United Stat es 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 catalytic 
support to Mau ritius 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 adv ersity for trade and business. 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 read y to 
initiate FTA negotiations.  We hope that the tim e 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.  
4.455.   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 regulation s under the Food Safety Moderniz ation Act and its 
implications for businesses and the  WTO Agreement on Government Procurement.  
4.456.   We have always argued for the necessary level playing field to allow developing countries 
to participate effectively in the global trading system as w ell as the global value chains.  As for 
Mauritius we saw the valu e in participating in some of the key negotiations such as the ITA with a 
view to enable the country to exploit dynamic competitive advantages.  
4.457.   Similarly we have been participating in several plurilaterals with a view to see their  
eventual multilateraliza tion. 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 le gal and technical obligations. 
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.  
4.458.   My delegation aligns itself with the statement which will be made by Morocco on behalf of 
the African Gr oup. 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 WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  competitors and thwart the competiveness and sustainability of employment for the African 
textiles exporters.  
4.459.   Finally, I wish to t ake this opportunity to recogniz e 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 o utcomes 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 multilateral 
trading system.  
MYANMAR  
4.460.   It is a great pleasure for us to associate with the statements delivered on behalf of the 
ASEAN and the LDCs.  
4.461.   Myan mar and the United States of America have established diplomatic relations since 
1947. The Trade and Investment Framew ork Agreement (TIFA) between the two countries was 
signed on 21 May 2013.  
4.462.   According to the record, the two -way trade between the two countries reached over 
US$196 million in 2015 -2016.  
4.463.   In terms of the Foreign Direct Investment in Myanmar, the current volum e of investment 
from the United States of America is US$254.687 million in August 2016.  
4.464.   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 States of Ameri ca 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 countries.  
4.465.   Accordi ng 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 labour market a nd growing 
personal income.  
4.466.   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 trade deficit  was US$763 billion in 2015.  
4.467.   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 measures incl uding the implementation of Single Window (ITDS) by 
the end of this year and the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) in the future.  
4.468.   The U.S. is a key producer and exporter of goods and services consolidated with 
knowledge and intellectual property devel opment. 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. maintains "Open 
Skies Agreement " (OSAs) with 120 countries.  
4.469.   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 20 16, its nominal GDP was 
US$18.4  trillion.  
4.470.   With respect 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 -eligible regional 
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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.471.   The delegation of Myanmar is pleased to convey our s incere appreciation to 
H.E. Mr. Michael W . Punke, head of the delegation and his team for their constructive engagement 
throughout this TPR.  
NEPAL  
4.472.   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.  
4.473.   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 trade. 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 backed by suc h 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.  
4.474.   It is important to note that because of expansion ary 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.  
4.475.   Likewise, it is also good to refer here that the US is 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 on ease of do ing business and global competitiveness index.  
4.476.   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.  
4.477.   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.  
4.478.   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 well as other m embers 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 growth and ec onomic transformation and get them better integrated 
into the global trading system.  
4.479.   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 peaceful, prosp erous, 
resilient and democratic society through institutionalizing inclusive and effective governance, 
promoting political stability and economic development, offering humanitarian assistance, is very 
impressive.  
4.480.   The Trade and Investment Framework Agreemen t (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 Corporatio n. Similarly, we appreciate the  
U.S. legislation on gran ting 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 impacts of earthq uakes and 
the aftershocks.  
4.481.   The USA is the second largest export desti nation for Nepalese products. Nepal mainly 
exports woolen carpets, pashmina products, leather and leather products, handicrafts, medicinal 
herbs and essential oils, silver jewelries, indi genous paper and paper products to the USA.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.482.   Finally, the delegation of Nepal wishes to get constructively engaged with the U .S., as wel l 
as other M embers, in the strengthening of the multilateral trading system.  
MONTENEGRO  
4.483.   Montenegro would like to associ ate itself with the statement of the European Union.  
4.484.   Montenegr o wishes to congratulate the G overnment of the United States on reaching its 
thirteenth Trade Policy Review – more than any other WTO Member State. This is an excellent 
achievement that undersc ores the United States ' clear commitment to transparency and the multi -
lateral trading system.  
4.485.   Montenegro furt her wishes to congratulate the G overnment of the United States on its 
economic per formance 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 relative 
to GDP. In particular, Montenegro notes the report of the United States that the budget deficit 
dropped from US$ 679.6 billi on (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 t hree-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.  
4.486.   In agreement with the Secretariat , Montenegro notes that despite the robust economic 
performance, challeng es remain, including dealing with a deteriorating infrastructure and rising 
income inequalities in the co untry.   
4.487.   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).  
4.488.   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 i ntroduce 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.  
4.489.   We also saw new gains in bilateral economic relations, particul arly 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.  
4.490.   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 Mo ntenegro 's investment climate. Data Card Group won the Government of 
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 WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  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.  
4.491.   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 Hote l "Montenegro " by Hilton Group.  General Electric has 
expressed strong interest in providing state -of-the-art technology and equipment for the wind 
power plant i n 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. 
4.492.   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 Punk e, and to recogniz e 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 H appy Holiday Season to all memb ers of 
the U .S. delegation.  
MALI 
4.493.   My delegation has noted with interest the major actions undertaken by the United States 
Government towards greater openness and to facilitate trade between the US and the rest of  the 
world.  
4.494.   It welcomes the US Government's constant efforts to enhance transparency, which is a 
significant factor in increasing the level of foreign trade.  
4.495.   Mali highly appreciates the various initiatives and support which the United States 
contributes bo th bilaterally and multilaterally for the sake of greater integration of our economies 
in world trade, so that trade can become a genuine lever for growth and development and a tool 
for combating poverty.  
4.496.   I should like to salute in particular the United St ates' support and availability in the 
negotiations on cotton within the WTO and again encourage it to press on in the direction of the 
reform policies which it has set itself, for the benefit of the multilateral trading system.  
4.497.   This is also the right place  to acknowledge the US Government's support for promotion of 
the cotton sector through the West Africa Cotton Import Program (WACIP) project launched in 
West Africa, from which Mali has already benefited.  
4.498.   As a beneficiary of the programme stemming from the  African Growth and Opportunity Act 
(AGOA) in sub -Saharan Africa, Mali would like to express its immense satisfaction regarding the 
extension and revision of this scheme which seeks to stimulate commerce and investment.  
SRI LANKA  
4.499.   My delegation notes with i nterest 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 such as financial services, transport, and charges for the use of intellectual property. W e 
believe that sound and consistent economic policies adopted by the United States Government and 
proper implementation strategies have contributed towards the positive 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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.500.   Let me briefly reflect on the bilateral relations between the United States and Sri Lanka. 
The U.S. is the largest single buyer of Sri Lankan exp orts 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 have recorded an impressive growth of 11% and 21%, respectively. 
Further, value of Sri Lan ka's export to the U.S., which stood at US$2,496 million i n 2013, has 
increased to US$2,72 0 million  in 2014 and, in 2015 it has further increased to US$2,800 million . 
In 2015, the total trade turnover between the two countries has re corded a value of 
US$3, 271 million. Apparel is the largest exporti ng product to the U.S. from Sri  Lanka which 
accounts for about 75% of Sri Lanka 's exports to the U.S. in 2015.  
4.501.   In terms of imports, the U.S. is the 7th largest supplier to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka '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 product s to Sri Lanka from the U.S. and they  contributed to 
nearly 16% of Sri Lanka 's imports from the U.S. in 2015.  
4.502.   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.  
4.503.   Sri Lanka  has signed a number of bilateral treaties with the United States t o 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 Ta xes on Income, the U.S. and 
Sri Lanka Air Transport Agreement and the U.S. -Sri Lanka T rade and Investment Framework 
Agreement (TIFA) signed in 2002.  
4.504.   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 participat ing 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.  
4.505.   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, Agr eement 
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 m ilk 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.  
4.506.   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  
4.507.   We ack nowledge 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 M embers as it directly affects the ir economies in 
various ways.  
4.508.   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 
rules-based, open, predictable, 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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.509.   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.  
4.510.   For us in Lesotho, we shall forever r emain 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 size and 
managed to estab lish 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.  
4.511.   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 potential 
erosion of AGO A by other multilateral and bilateral trade developments.  
4.512.   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 li ne, 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 serious 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 independent countries is  surpassed by a single LDC member ostensibly 
shows that more has to be done for Africa to fully benefit from AGOA.  
4.513.   Another important U .S. instrument which contributed immensely in Lesotho 's development 
has been the Millennium  Challenge Compact in which Les otho 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 the 
United States in vari ous ways.  
EGYPT  
4.514.   First, we would like to align ourselves with the statement that will be delivered by Morocco 
on behalf of the African Group.  
4.515.   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.  
4.516.   At the bilateral level, trade and investment constitute a central pillar of the m ulti-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 couple of years.  
4.517.   The Uni ted 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.  
4.518.   The United States accumulated inflows 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 strongly 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.  
4.519.   Egypt is a country that firmly supports the mu ltilateral 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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.520.   The current slowdown in the global trade must strive Member States to do m ore to comply 
with shared responsibility in preserving the credibility of the WTO as a negotiation forum.  
4.521.   Active U.S. participation and leadership in the WTO, and close engagement by the U.S. 
with other Members remains vital to the future wellbeing of this  Organization and to achieving 
further gains in WTO negotiations.  
4.522.   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 momentum as 
we now colle ctively look forward to a balanced positive outcome in Buenos Aires.  
4.523.   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 its fiscal or monetary 
policies, or mega -regional trading blocs, affect the global economy directly, and therefore of 
importance of all of us.  
4.524.   The United States ' economy continued to expand by 2.5% in average at an annual rate in 
the review period, where gross capital formation wa s an engine of growth, encouraged by low 
interest rates in the review period.  
4.525.   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 affected 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 industry has largely recove red from the financial crises.  
4.526.   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 Inte rnational Trade Data System.  
4.527.   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.  
4.528.   We also appreciate the continued 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 
countries have very positive ou tcomes for this purpose.  
4.529.   Finally, Egypt strongly commends the United States for their economic performance in the 
period reviewed.  
MADAGASCAR  
4.530.   I wish to congratulate the United States for the quality of its presentation in this trade 
policy review, and for its replies to the written questions.  
4.531.   I can but note the dynamic approach of this country, a friend and partner which has 
distinguished itself through its unique leadership within our Organization and its efforts which have 
paved the way, inter alia , for a chieving the historic agreement on trade facilitation as well as a 
host of decisions in favour of the most vulnerable of our Members.  
4.532.   According to the OECD study on the US economy published in June  2016, the national 
economy is back on track in terms of gr owth and employment. This undeniable economic 
performance is attributable, among other things, to the revival of production and exports and 
above all reforms promoting trade liberalization.  
4.533.   This economic behemoth has managed over the years to take its plac e as a special partner 
for Africa, which my country finds very gratifying.  
4.534.   My delegation notes the ongoing impact of growth up to the beginning of this year on 
per capita income, household consumption and the employment rate.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.535.   Madagascar has benefited from the AGOA and remains attached to this preference, which 
sustains  millions of decent jobs on the African continent.  
4.536.   The presence of Ms  Florie  Liser, Assistant USTR, at the "Origin Africa" textile fair, did not 
go unnoticed, as it testifies to the importance  which the United States attaches to its relationship 
with Africa and with Madagascar in particular.  
4.537.   Madagascar appreciates most particularly the active work of the East Africa Trade and 
Investment Hub in promoting US investment in Madagascar and the expor ts of Malagasy 
businesses, not least in the agriculture or textile sectors.  
4.538.   I welcome the presence of US investors in Madagascar, including very recently a company 
operating in electrification which benefited from the "Power Africa" programme. This presenc e is a 
further testimony to the improved business climate in Madagascar and the confidence placed in the 
Malagasy Government.  
4.539.   I cannot fail to mention the extraordinary role the United States plays in the economic, 
social and environmental spheres, or in r esearch and capacity building. One key area in this regard 
is health, where Madagascar has been privileged to receive regular US aid for combating the major 
contagious diseases or for mitigating the effects of malnutrition which is prevalent in the south o f 
the island.  
4.540.   We strongly encourage the United States to press on with the reforms undertaken, notably 
on the issues of improving household incomes and reducing obstacles and distortions to trade and 
investment, realizing that an inward -looking approach is  liable to weaken performance and growth.  
4.541.   Our sincerest congratulations go to this great country for this successful review. We also 
remark on the excellent work accomplished by H.E.  Ambassador Punke in his capacity as 
US Ambassador and Permanent Represent ative at the WTO.  
4.542.   In closing, allow me to applaud the transparency displayed during this review, underpinned 
by a rich and diverse corpus of relevant information. Madagascar particularly values the 
opportunity to participate in this review of US trade poli cy. 
4.543.   We remain alert to possibilities for further dialogue with the US Government both within 
the WTO and at the bilateral level.  
PAKISTAN  
4.544.   United States is one of Pakistan's major and a very important trading partner, it is our 
largest export destination an d one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment.  
4.545.   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. 
Textile  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 United States in 2015 was US$3.7 bill ion and U.S. exports 
to Pakistan were US$1.8 billion.  
4.546.   Our 30% of total woven garments and 63% of knit garments are exported to the U.S.  
4.547.   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.  
4.548.   U.S. companies are making key contribution to Pakistan's economy and making best use of 
positive business environment, recently General Electric won a n 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 plagued the 
country for years.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.549.   The Unit ed 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.  
4.550.   The United States and Pakistan have a Joint Acti on 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 Pakistan's accession to the WTO Gov ernment Procurement Agreement;  
 Increasing trade in services;  
 Outreach to U.S. State and Local Government s; 
 Promoting entrepreneurship; and  
 Increasing dialogue between our respective private sectors.  
4.551.   The United States also remains an important partner in pr ovision 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 U NCTAD, ITC and WCO, a similar seminar is being 
facilitated by USAID to build capacity of local agencies for SPS. We greatly value this partnership.  
4.552.   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 contribu ted to 
this considerable economic performance. We particularly appreciate the continuation of an open 
and liberal trade regime pursued by the United States.  
4.553.   The implementation of numerous trade facilitation measures by the U.S. has been reflected 
in the OE CD 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.  
4.554.   On the other hand, the Gender Gap index 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 . 
4.555.   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 Bali and Nairobi Ministerial Confe rence.  
4.556.   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 wo rk in "Last Best Place – 
Montana", but your friends here in Geneva will miss you.  
ISRAEL  
4.557.   Israel and the United States have close economic and trade relations including a free trade 
agreement signed in 1985.  
4.558.   The United States remains the largest single econ omy in the world.  
4.559.   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 expect ed 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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.560.   Israeli companies have clearly benefited from strong demand 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.  
4.561.   Despite a low average tariff level, the U.S. h as a considerable number of tariff peaks for 
goods exported by developing countries, such as textiles, apparel and, especially, agricultural 
products.  
4.562.   Similar to others, we continue to be concerned by some steps under the Buy American 
programme and its imp act 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 particular, USTR, to stand guard aga inst it.  
4.563.   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. for its constructive role in the Ti SA 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 initiatives which promise enormous economic gains.  
4.564.   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 subs tantive deliverables in Buenos Aires. We hope 
to see the U.S. continue to lead and inspire others with trade liberalization efforts.  
4.565.   We would also like to note the positive leadership with which Ambassador Punke has 
orchestrated U.S. trade diplomacy during  his tenure in Geneva. Israel thanks and wishes 
Ambassador Punke all the best in his future endeavors.  
KENYA  
4.566.   First of all, we would like to align ourselves with the statement that will be delivered by 
Morocco on behalf of the African Group.  
4.567.   Kenya and the U nited 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 visi t by a 
siting United States President. This has had significant positive impact to our country.  
4.568.   The United States has remained committed to the multilateral trading system and 
continues to contribute significantly to the development of the WTO. We take not e 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 continue providing support to these co untries.  
4.569.   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 real 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.  
4.570.   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.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  4.571.   The United States is involved in various Mega Regional Trade Agreements. These regional 
trade agreements aim to liberalize trade in near ly 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 the multilateral 
trading system un der the WTO.  
4.572.   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 market. We therefore commend the U nited States efforts for renewing 
the AGOA for the next ten years until 2025.  
4.573.   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 b enefits 
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.  
4.574.   Over the years, t rade 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 compa red to 
US$679 million in 2014.  
4.575.   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 w orth 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.  
4.576.   Kenya, once again, we lcomes 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  
4.577.   Since it acceded to independence, Côte d'Ivoire has maintai ned a special relationship of 
cooperation with the United States. After a period of slight stagnation in bilateral relations on 
account of the crisis experienced by our country, this cooperation is now regaining momentum.  
4.578.   The resurgence in cooperation is r eflected, at the level of the economy and trade, by 
Côte d'Ivoire's eligibility for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and its admission to 
the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).  
4.579.   Better still, the revival is also visible in stronger coopera tion with USAID, which is helping 
to boost economic activity in Côte d'Ivoire, increasing exports, creating jobs and generating 
investment. In the first half of 2016, trade thus attained US$651.7  million. In this context, 
Côte d'Ivoire warmly welcomes the extension of the AGOA until 2025, and anything that would 
enable our country to derive more benefit from this cooperation instrument.  
4.580.   In the area of air transport, the signing of the "Open Skies" agreement will help to improve 
air transport services betwee n our two countries. At the cultural level, the Humphrey and 
Fullbright programmes awarding study and research grants deserve to be reinforced.  
4.581.   In view of the importance of these bilateral relations across several sectors, the 
Côte d'Ivoire delegation can but welcome the performance of the US economy as described in the 
Government and WTO Secretariat reports. This performance has a positive impact on the 
economies of the developing and developed countries alike.  
4.582.   The delegation of Côte d'Ivoire subscribes to  the statement delivered by the Kingdom of 
Morocco on behalf of the African Group.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  GEORGIA  
4.583.   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.  
4.584.   The clo se cooperation between our countries starts since Georgia 's independence regained 
in 1991 and incorporates every sphere.  
4.585.   The bilateral trade has been steadily increasing in 2004 -2014 covering products such as 
vehicles, machinery, inorganic chemicals, miner al 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 the 
improvement of the  existing si tuation in coming years.  
4.586.   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 preferential trade  regime.  
4.587.   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 Partnership Agreement. It is  a good platform for further 
development of our economic ties.  
4.588.   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 
importan t and gives further streamline to this process.  
4.589.   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. 
Therefore, we appreciate the  ongoing collaboration with the US.  
4.590.   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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  5  REPLIES BY THE REPRESENTATIVE O F THE UNITED STATES  AND ADDITIONAL 
COMMENTS  
5.1.  Thank you for joining us again today for the continuation of this 13th Trade Polic y Review of 
the United States. And many thanks to all of you for your ver y 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 to take on board vario us 
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 sometimes we disagree st rongly with 
certain assertions or the premise of some comments, hearing from all of you makes a difference in 
the way we think about f ormulating our trade policies. We are also appreciative for the 
acknowledgment from so many of the fact that the United St ates 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 advan ce 
questions will prove useful.  This morning I 'd like to respond briefly to a few of the more consiste nt 
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 gratified the United S tates 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 l eadership in this Institution. This recognition means a great deal to 
Ambassador 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 poverty.  
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 conclude, 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 is critical to the fut ure success and vibrancy of this 
institution.  
5.7.  As we look ahe ad to potential outcomes for MC 11, the place where we see the most 
optimistic outlook is an ambitious outcome from the fish plurilateral discussions, and we took 
encouragement from the frequent r eferences to this issue on Monday.  Those working on it are 
committed to achieving a high standard agreement by MC 11, and we look forward to conti nuing 
towards that objective.  
5.8.  Let me now turn briefly to a few specific themes raised on Monday.  
5.9.  Many of you as ked 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 detail 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 p erfect record – no Member 
can. But fair -minded partners must distinguish between the circumstances driving the precise WT/TPR/M/350 • 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 pretense of explanation.  
5.11.   The U.S. domestic support notification for 2 014 covers the period 2014 -15. In some cases, 
payments were made in 2016 and final data are not ava ilable until mid -year or later.  For example, 
we submitted our crop year 2013 notification in fall 2015. The complex ity 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 notificatio n of farm 
programs to the WTO. We would note that many other WTO Members have not yet notified for 
2014, or haven 't submitted ne w 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, a nd 
fisheries subsidies.  
5.13.   Another question was raised regarding the United States ' ability to implement the Nairobi 
Ministerial Decision on export competit ion, 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 d ecision since prior to 
December  2015 and will continue to do so.  
5.14.   Some Members made observations about the durat ion of U.S. antidumping ord ers. 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 proceedi ngs simply fail to participate in sunset 
reviews and have their orders continued, while those that do participate increase the lik elihood of 
a different result. Therefore, rather than brand all orders with a duration in excess of some 
arbitrary threshold a s "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 Members raised concerns a bout 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 t hat the remedy aims to address.  Injurious dumping and 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 Un ited States has continued to 
exercise this right in accor dance with our WTO obligations.  Under U.S. law, antidumping and 
countervailing duty investigations are initiated in response to a petiti on filed by domestic industry. 
The decision then to impose a me asure is based on a factual determination of whether injurious 
dumping or countervailable su bsidization 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 
enforceable remedies, as prov ided 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 th e 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 initiation s during the period, nearly 
30% of all such investigations were initiated in response to trade from one Mem ber - a large 
country in Asia. To the extent Members are concerned about the trends they observe, they should 
consider what is actually causing the t rend. 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 actions, including WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  subsidiz ation.  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 interested 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 Ame rica provisions under U.S. law.  We believe it might be helpful to remind our partners 
of several fac ts. 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 access 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 advan ces several shared values  
— such as good governance, transparency, and predictability  — while providing - on a reciprocal 
basis - commercially meaningful market access opportunities. To da te, only 19 Parties covering 
47 Members have joined the agreement. W e 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. Seaf ood Import Monitoring Program. This Program seeks to combat 
illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and seafood fraud, regardless of w here the 
seafood was produced. The Program establishes certain permitt ing, data reporting, and 
record -keeping requirements regarding certain pri ority 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 U.S. standards  if sold in the United States. As such requirements are already 
in place for U.S. -produced seafood, this most recent rule making only addresses imports. However, 
in the few examples where U.S. -produced seafood are not already subject to such requirements, 
those requireme nts 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 othe r imported 
"priority " species.  
5.21.   Subject to the availability of resources, NOAA and the broader U.S. Government intend to 
provide assistance 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 pr eferential trade arrangements. This Decision requires preference -granting 
Members to inform the Committee on Rules of Origi n of the measures being ta ken to implement 
the Decision. The United States will inform the Committee in the coming days that i t is 
implementing the Decision.  In this regard, it is important not to overstate what was carefully 
negotia ted 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 anothe r 
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 programs, the extensi on 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 N epal. The proclamation also modifies the harmonized tariff schedule to reflect the 
United States ' decision to reinstate the Central African Republ ic as a beneficiary under AGOA.  In 
this room on Monday, we were rightfully reminded that the needs and competi tiveness of WT/TPR/M/350 • 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 interve ntions made during this review.  I recognize that I have not 
been able to touch on the many dozen s 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 range of issues rel ated 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 r igorous and 
demanding process. It is an enormous amount of work f or 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 close by extendin g the warm thanks of all of our team – including the hundreds of 
colleagues across the scope of our G overnment 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 sheph erding us through this process. 
Thank you.  
DISCUSSANT  
5.27.   Thank you Irene for g iving me the floor again today. I spoke at length on Monday so I will 
only make six brief comments 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 l ittle 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 , but 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 Michael introduce d 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 ro le 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 w hen 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 reflection is that som e 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 legislati ons. 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 future U.S. TPRs a re 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 negative effects on trade? Many times, increased transparency 
and accessibility of information could go a long way.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  5.33.   Lastly, a few M embers of the U.S. delegation suggested to me on Monday that if I did a 
filibuster today and spoke for roughly 18 hours, Michael would miss h is 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 i n 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, which is translat ed 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 America 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 story in internation al 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 the 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 Trade 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 trades 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 (except fuels); che micals 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 materials; chemicals a nd 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 A merican 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 Pr esident 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 relationship with the U.S.  both at the bilateral and 
regional levels. During his visit, President Obama held bilateral talks with the then Prime Minister, 
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  States. At both meetings, trade and tr ade-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 America, 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 sources 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 recommends, 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 planning, 
managem ent 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 an d 
de-risking on the economies of the Caribbean, including Jamaica. The closure of correspondent 
banking accounts presents a tangi ble 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 f inancial and economic crises. 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 partners, is committed t o 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 tr ading relations with the 
United  States in the coming years.  
URUGUAY  
5.47.   In the period under review , as previously, Uruguay maintained friendly and constructive 
relations with the United States, at both the political and economic levels. Similarly, Uruguay 
continued to seek further opportunities for commercial, technological, social and cultural 
coopera tion with the US.  
5.48.   The United States is a key trading partner for Uruguay. Trade relations between the 
two countries have been consolidated since the last review: exports to the US in 2015 grew 42% 
in comparison with 2014, making it our third biggest export  market in 2015.  
5.49.   This growth is explained not only by increasing placements of bovine meat but also by the 
boosting of new export products such as cellulose, citrus fruits, optical instruments, skins and 
leathers. In fact, in 2015, the United States ranked  as the top destination for exports of citrus 
fruits (clementines), non -citrus fruits and honey.  
5.50.   These advances have been underpinned by the bilateral dialogue, in large measure through 
the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA), which has opened up opportunities for 
exchange and cooperation on phytosanitary matters, thereby strengthening the trade flows 
between the two countries.  
5.51.   In this connection, the VIIth meeting of the TIFA Council was held on 11  May 2016, 
reviewing progress on various trade and investment issues, such as trade facilitation, the 
development of micro, small and medium -sized enterprises (MSMEs), and market access.  
5.52.   The United States was the fourth biggest source of Uruguayan imports in 2015. Stand -out 
purchases include inputs for  wind-power generators, in the context of a national policy for the 
development of renewable sources of energy, and other high added -value products like 
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  5.53.   Uruguay can increase its sales to the United States of high -quality food products, 
beverage s, chemical substances and products, and textiles, in particular fine wool.  
5.54.   In the services sector, the US market is one of the principal destinations for the Uruguayan 
information and communications technology (ICT) industry, which has grown steadily duri ng the 
last ten years, while maintaining its export profile and positioning itself at international level as a 
model software industry. Uruguay is currently a large exporter of ICTs in Latin America, occupying 
third place in the region in absolute terms.  
5.55.   The United States plays a pivotal role in the international economy and world trade. It is 
also a key player in the multilateral negotiations, especially those on agriculture, with a view to the 
upcoming Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires. US leadership  in the WTO is crucial for the 
multilateral trading system and the US should thus continue insisting on tangible and substantive 
outcomes in the negotiating pillar of the WTO.  
5.56.   On the other hand, it is important for the US to consider the multilateral negot iations on 
agriculture when drawing up the next Farm Bill.  
5.57.   The United States has been an important advocate of regional agreements and the so -called 
mega -agreements; but preservation of the multilateral system and the core agency which is the 
WTO should al so be central to its trade policy priorities.  
KINGDOM  OF MOROCCO  ON BEHALF  OF THE AFRICAN  GROUP  
5.58.   It is an immense pleasure for the African Group to participate today in the United States' 
13th Trade Policy Review.  
5.59.   The United States is obviously one of the w orld's leading economies and trading nations. It 
is the top importer and the second biggest global exporter of goods and services, with an 
extremely diversified range of exports.  
5.60.   The United States is also an original Member of the WTO, and the African Grou p would like 
to thank it for the active role it has played in the multilateral trading system, particularly by 
providing financial and technical assistance, including official development assistance, its various 
regional economic cooperation initiatives an d its contribution to Aid for Trade, thereby recognizing 
that integration of the developing countries, and in particular the LDCs, in the multilateral trading 
system is one of the core missions of the WTO.  
5.61.   The African Group also wishes to thank the United States for its unilateral preferences under 
the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), as well as for the African Growth and Opportunity 
Act (AGOA). This latter agreement linking the United States and Africa has been the cornerstone of 
the commitment bet ween the US and Africa on trade and investment since it was enacted in 2000, 
and has been extended until 2025 by the 2015 Trade Extension Act.  
5.62.   Indeed, by giving sub -Saharan African countries duty -free access to US markets for certain 
products, including te xtiles, the AGOA helps to broaden and diversify bilateral trade between the 
US and sub -Saharan Africa. It has a positive impact on the clothing industry in Africa, and textile 
factories are flourishing throughout the region.  
5.63.   Nevertheless, the future of the  textile industry remains uncertain, as it is threatened by the 
likelihood of the Trans -Pacific Partnership Agreement offering the same advantages to Africa's 
competitors elsewhere.  
5.64.   The African Group wishes to praise the United States for the various initi atives it has 
launched to further economic and regional cooperation in Africa. Its contribution to Aid for Trade is 
indisputable and its achievements are significant. Here, I am thinking of the Millennium Challenge 
Corporation, the TCB Initiatives for Afri ca, and Trade Africa, to mention but a few examples.  
5.65.   Regarding cotton, it is important to recognize the aid from the USDA, which also supports 
the cotton sector in West Africa through its Food for Progress scheme, encouraging development of 
the agricultura l sector and market development, as well as through its research and exchange WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  programmes. The business, development and reform aspects of cotton nonetheless remain a 
matter of concern.  
5.66.   Before concluding, it needs to be stated that despite the many advantag es that exist thanks 
to the cooperation between Africa and the United States, US investments in the continent are still 
below potential. Indeed, Africa attracts only a small proportion of US investment abroad: barely 
0.7% of total US capital invested world wide, which is a tiny share, especially in an emerging 
market.  
KINGDOM  OF MOROCO  
5.67.   Morocco has a longstanding and special relationship with the United States. Morocco 
recognized the United States of America in 1777, and formal diplomatic relations were estab lished 
between the two States as from 1787.  
5.68.   Similarly, the signature of a Free Trade Agreement, Morocco's status as a Major Non -NATO 
Ally (MNNA) and its eligibility for Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) funding have given 
particular impetus to the develop ment of bilateral relations.  
5.69.   Economic and trade relations, for their part, have been enhanced by the 2004 Free Trade 
Agreement which came into force in 2006. The FTA has eliminated customs duties on over 95% of 
the goods traded between the two countries, a nd paved the way for new trade and investment 
opportunities. Nevertheless, it should be pointed out that despite these developments trade flows 
between the two countries remain very low in comparison with their potential.  
5.70.   We welcome the positive impact of this US programme, present in 38 developing countries, 
with the aim of reducing poverty through economic growth, higher incomes, improved productivity 
and job creation in the target areas.  
5.71.   As far as US investments in Morocco are concerned, 2016 saw the est ablishment of a major 
presence of the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing in Morocco, with the setting up a specialized 
industrial zone for its sub -contractors in the region of Tangiers in northern Morocco and the signing 
of the memorandum of understanding for  the creation of a Boeing industrial ecosystem in Morocco.  
5.72.   The holding of the third US -Morocco Trade and Investment Forum, organized jointly in 
October last in Seattle, is an excellent initiative for promoting the investment and partnership 
opportunities w hich the Kingdom offers, particularly in aeronautical industry sectors.  
5.73.   We also welcome the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) 
development strategy for 2013 -2017, which is in line with the Kingdom's reform objectives.  
5.74.   Finally, allow  me to emphasize that the Kingdom of Morocco values its bonds of friendship 
and cooperation with the United States, and that this is the spirit in which Morocco has submitted, 
through you, Rabat's written questions to this friend and partner country. These  questions relate 
to trade policies and practices, sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, technical standards and 
descriptions, export insurance and guarantees, and the 2014 Farm Bill.  
5.75.   It only remains for me to extend our congratulations to the United St ates for its new 
President and Government, and express the wish that it will continue to play its customary 
dynamic role in regard to multilateral trade.  
HONDURAS  
5.76.   Relations between Honduras and the United States date back to before Honduras' 
independence, although it was not until 1830 that they were officially established. They encompass 
a broad and full spectrum of exchanges, treaties, and political, diplomatic, economic and cultural 
agreements, among other things. It is worth noting that relations betwee n the two countries have 
never been broken off, but on the contrary have been strengthened and reinforced through time.  
5.77.   As a result, the United States is our country's main trading partner. It constitutes our top 
export market, and has been since the entry  into force of the Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA -DR), WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  for a value of US$1,104.9  million, or 37.3% of total exports. Stand -out products include bananas, 
coffee, gold, used gold accessories, pulses and vegetables, and watermelons, among others.  
5.78.   Also, as at the  third quarter of 2016, the US continued to be the principal supplier of general 
goods, accounting for 33.6% (US$2,208.2  million) of the total. The articles from the US most in 
demand were fuels, wheat, yellow rice for concentrates, vehicles, used clothing , machinery, and 
raw materials for industry.  
5.79.   In 2015, exports of goods for processing (maquila) totalled US$4,086.7  million in textile 
products, a 2.7% increase over the previous year, boosted by demand on the US market, while 
the export value of electroni c components and harnesses to the same market grew by 1.2%.  
5.80.   It is important to highlight that the CAFTA -DR represents the third largest export market in 
Latin America for the United States behind Brazil and Mexico, and the 14th biggest export market 
worldw ide. 
5.81.   In 2015, US foreign direct investment in Honduras, which is basically concentrated in the 
light manufacturing sector, came to US$1.2  billion, a 58.6% increase on the previous year. More 
than 200 US companies are operating in Honduras, and as at the th ird quarter of 2016, FDI inflows 
from the United States (at US$315.2  million) accounted for 34.1% of the total, these investments 
being directed primarily to the maquila industry and communications.  
5.82.   In another area, according to the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational 
Exchange, the number of Honduran students enrolled in US higher education increased 12.8% to 
1,985, the biggest percentage increase for Mexico and Central America combined. These 
educational exchanges do not only benefit the st udents and teachers directly involved, but also 
contribute to the long -term development of Honduras and the United States and strengthen the 
bonds of respect and friendship between our two countries.  
5.83.   In August, the US Department of State approved a grant e nabling the National Agricultural 
University of Honduras (UNAG) and the Louisiana State University (LSU) to institute a study 
abroad programme for students from both institutions to receive degree credit, and we take this 
opportunity to express our gratitu de for initiatives of this kind which enhance professional 
development.  
5.84.   The Secretariat report reveals that real GDP in the United States continued to expand, at 
annual rates of 2.4% and 2.6% in 2014 and 2015, respectively, that growth in private 
consumpti on has been robust and that the unemployment rate has continued to decline, from 10% 
in 2009 to less than 5% at present.  
5.85.   We note the adoption of policies to strengthen the labour market and raise personal income, 
which, together with falling energy prices and low inflation, below the Federal Reserve's long -term 
objective of 2%, has boosted consumers' purchasing power.  
5.86.   We note that the US traditionally posts a trade surplus in cross -border commercial services, 
with strong surpluses in areas such as financial  services, transport, and charges for the use of 
intellectual property.  
5.87.   We stress that US exports of crude oil increased by 9% in the first five months of 2016 in 
comparison with the same period in 2015.  
5.88.   We take note of the work of the Trade Promotion Coor dinating Committee (TPCC), 
encompassing 20 federal agencies with export -related programmes, which is the main government 
body for the coordination of export promotion and export financing, and we are attentive to the 
publication of the latest National Expo rt Strategy (NES) report.  
5.89.   Regarding competition policy, we note the activities undertaken in financial year 2015 by 
the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with a view to enforcing the competition law, which saved 
US consumers an estimated US$3.4  billion, as we ll as the FTC's efforts to police anti -competitive 
conduct that may raise costs or reduce options for consumers, including exclusionary conduct to 
maintain a monopoly in the domestic pipe -fittings market, among others.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  5.90.   Lastly, Honduras congratulates the Un ited States on the significant progress made during 
the review period and wishes it every success in the presentation of its 13th Trade Policy Review.  
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 Monday morning. We 
regret though that the U.S. did not opt for the alternative time -frame for this review which would 
have given us more time to study the replies in advance of t he meeting and would thus allow for 
more interaction.  
5.92.   Based on the long day of discussions , 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 the 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 over certain trade policy measures t he U.S. is 
applying, on issues such as trade facilitation, public procurement, SPS proced ures, standards and 
trade remedies .  
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 telecom munication s through our follow -up 
questions. We look forward to these further replies by the U.S. within the time -frame established 
to that effect.  
5.95.   Finally, I already made these comments in the General Council but  let me just repeat 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. Although t he world 
is going through a difficult period that is far from over, you are leaving  the WTO a better place 
than it was . Best of luck and job satisfaction for the next chapter in what is already a remarkable 
career. Thank you.  
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 to 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 enh ance 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 hi s insightful comments.  
5.100.   While it will take some time for us to digest the information contained in the documents  
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 l ike to briefly make some follow -up comments.  
5.101.   Firstly, we regret to see that the U.S. said in the replies that they disagree with China 's 
categorization as to the effect of the specific provision in China 's Accession Protocol. On this vitally WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  important issu e where Members should all honour their commitment and live up to t heir 
obligations after expiration of the long 15 years, China will protect our legitimate rights and 
interests firmly through all means available in this Organization.  
5.102.   Secondly, in the repl ies to our questions concerning CFIUS  reviews, the definition and 
explanation given by the U.S. colleagues  for "prudential  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 review, which is not a good signal for potential investors in China. We, 
therefore, urge the U.S. to provide investors from China a f air, 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 a series of  cases, including, for example, DS379, DS437 
and DS449, etc.  
5.104.   That said, our delegation would like to reiterate the great importance t hat we attach to our 
economic and trade relations with the U.S. China and the United States jointly have steered  a 
mature relationship sensibly and successfully during President Obama 's Administration  in the  
benefits of businesses and peoples of our two co untries. We are willing and ready to further 
develop this relationship with the new U.S. Administration both bilaterally and within 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/M/350 • United States  
 
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  6  CONCLUDING REMARKS B Y THE CHAIRPERSON  
6.1.  This Trade 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 Blockert, 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 policies. These policies had helped its economy recover from the deep recession since 
2008. During this review period, their ben efits 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 rema ins the world 's top importer and second largest exporter of goods and services, 
and is the number one destination f or foreign direct 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 U nited States' unilateral 
trade preferences was highlighted in many interventions, as Members welcomed the 
reauthorization of the US ' Generalized System of Preferences and the extension of the African 
Growth and Op portunity 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 (T FA) 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 desi re 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 requir ements restrict trade and create high compliance costs, and 
these costs will ultimately be borne by the United States'  industries and consumers.  
6.5.  The openness of the US trade regime for goods is evident in the generally low tariffs. Nearly 
70% of all import s 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 intere st to them, notably 
in textiles and clothing, and on certain agricultural products.  
6.6.  Although trade defensive instruments are legitimate measures within the WTO framework, 
many Members stressed, once again, that the United States was a particularly a ctive u ser 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 permi tted 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 tra de. 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 p oint of information could help both the United States and foreign operators 
overcome the existing information gap. On this issue, Members 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 favo urably than like domestic products.  
6.8.  Concerning sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures, while Members generally supported 
and understood the Un ited States ' efforts to modernize its food safety system, some Members felt 
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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. Commenting on the United States ' new measures to address concerns 
regarding illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, in p articular 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. T hey were informed by the 
United  States that its policy was to secure mo re open and equitable market access through robust 
rules on SPS measures that encouraged the adoption of international standards and required 
provision of science -based justifications.  
6.9.  In the examination of government procurement policies, and also in rela tion to trade in 
certain services, Members were concerned about the prevalence of Buy America legislation at 
federal and state levels 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 Agr eement. While the Federal Government did not regulate procurement 
by the states, the federal procurement system was transparent with 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 notifications of its domestic support 
to the WTO – which, we are pleased to note, will be submitted later this week. It was pointed ou t 
that the high subsidies the U nited States provided for products such as soybeans, cotton, sugar, 
and dairy had had a negative impact on more competitive producers. Other specific questions were 
raised regarding the credit mechanism for agricultural expor ts 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 Unit ed 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 conc lude this meeting, however, without reflecting on the U nited States' 
long-standing commitment to the multilateral trading system, and its leadership in the WTO which 
has shaped many of our trade rules as we know them today.  
6.14.   The new Trade Promotion Authorit y granted to the U nited States administration in 2015 has 
allowed it to successfully pursue the expanded Information Technology Agreement, 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 outside the WTO framework. Many 
Members said they hoped the United States would continue to show leadership in liberalizin g 
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. Ambassad or 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/M/350 • 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 part of the agenda: the adoption 
of the Report of the Sixth Appraisal of the TPRM, which is contained in documents WT/TPR/W/1 18 
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 pleased to report that no Members have raised any comments 
by the deadline of the 12th of December.  
INDIA  
7.2.  We would like to see k clarification with reference to paragraph 2.10, point (2) on page 3  that 
the Secretariat will not insist upon Members providing information regarding modern trade policies 
in the case that the Member does not wish to provide it. 
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 p ractice and will continue. Thank you.  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.5.  To answer your question and to clarify the paragraph you were refe rring to, meaning 
paragrap h 2.10, C onclusion (2) which says that : "The scope of the Secretariat Reports may include 
issues relevant to moder n trade policies ", the Secretariat will not insist upon the Member providing 
information on modern trade policies if the Member does not wish to provide it. 
7.6.  As Willy has mentioned and as Member s will note from Section C of  Annex 3 to the Marrakesh 
Agreemen t, 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 ". 
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 involved for this valuable 6th Appraisal 
of the Trade Policy Review Mechanism. Ukraine aligns itself with all the conclusi ons made in this 
report, especially with  the conclusion of launching necessary procedures in order to change the 
current review cycles (2, 4 or 6 years) to 3, 5 or 7 years with new arrangements starting from 
2019.  
7.8.  We believe  that facilitation of the quest ion-and-answer process through the development of 
the IT system will simplify and expedite the process for the Member under review and all 
interested Members. In addition, taking into account the number of questions , the possibility of 
capping the quantity  of questions that each Member can submit to the Member under  review  
should also be considered. Thank you.  
EUROPEAN  UNION  
7.9.  Thank you Chairperson. Just a few words to welcome the adoption of the report and thank 
everyone, in particular you , for the hard wor k, guidance and occasional  discipline  in this regard 
without which we wouldn 't have achieved such an efficient outcome.  WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  7.10.   As you know, the EU would have liked a few more changes. As you may have noticed, we 
would have liked something m ore on the alternative timeline s. We are of the view that we can 
refine and reform procedures as much as possible , but eventually it is us, the membership , that 
has to appreciate the value in what we are doing and facilitate  the real exchange of view s. 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 really relevant, as well  as by 
expending some effort  to study and react to the Member 's position during the sec ond 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 reform s that we have introduced. Thank you very much.  
CHINA  
7.12.   China attaches great importance to this Appraisal of the Tr ade Policy Review Mechanism. 
China has been practically involved throughout and has sent Capital delegations to attend some of 
the meetings, submitted written communications, offered constructive feedback on some 
Members ' proposals and has been , to the bes t of our capacity , flexible and accommodating to 
deliver the final outcomes.  
7.13.   China notes with delight the great results that the Members have achieved through our joint 
efforts in this fruitful Appraisal. We are grateful to all the Members actively partici pating 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 would  also like to say that the implementation of th e Appraisal 
results need s to be closely monitored and some other issues s till require further discussion  before 
and at the next Appraisal.  
7.15.   China believes that higher efficiency and smoother fun ctioning of this mechanism helps  to 
enhance transparency, cons olidate the multilateral trading system and will benefit everyone at the 
end of the day . Thank you.  
CHAIRPERSON  
7.16.   I would like to alert Members to three grammatical errors that need to be corrected.  At 
paragraph 2.13, Conclusion (1), there is a  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 " there , in orange colour , should read "advance " as well. 
The third error is in paragr aph 2.25, first line, where "on meetings " should read "at meetings ". 
These are the only three mistakes that I have found. If you are kind enough to point that 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 , read  together with WT/TPR/W/118/Corr.1, and 
incorporating these three corrections shown to you just now, be adopted by the Trade Policy 
Review Body.  
7.18.   The report is hereby adopted. I shall insert t oday's date , the 21st of December, into 
paragraph 1.3 of the report.  
7.19.   Now that we have successfully concluded the 6th Appraisal, I wish 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 . How useful it can be depends on how much efforts we are 
prepared to put in to it.  
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 WT/TPR/M/350 • United States  
 
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  without your positive engagement. So, let me thank you again for your contribution and kind 
cooperation.  
7.22.   Finally, Ambassador Punke, I would like to join other colleagues  in wishing you all the best 
in your future endeavors.  
7.23.   With this, I declare the meeting closed. Thank you for your participation. See  you next year 
at the TPR of Sierra Leone which will take place on the 14th of February 2017. Happy holidays. 
Thank you very m uch. 
__________