This excerpt is taken directly from the 2021 Trade Policy Agenda and 2020 Annual Report OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES ON THE TRADE AGREEMENTS PROGRAM
President Biden is focused on ending the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthening the economy by taking bold steps to increase vaccine production and delivery, re-open our schools, and make landmark investments in our economy to put people back to work and deliver immediate relief to American families. The President’s Build Back Better agenda will create millions of good-paying jobs and support America’s working families by tackling four national challenges: building a stronger industrial and innovation base so the future is made in America; building sustainable infrastructure and a clean energy future; building a stronger, caring economy; and, advancing racial equity across the board.
The President’s trade agenda is an essential component of the fight against COVID-19, the economic recovery, and the Build Back Better agenda. President Biden seeks a fair international trading system that promotes inclusive economic growth and reflects America’s universal values. The President knows that trade policy should respect the dignity of work and value Americans as workers and wage-earners, not only as consumers. The President’s trade agenda will restore U.S. global leadership on critical matters like combatting forced labor and exploitative labor conditions, corruption, and discrimination against women and minorities around the world. Through bilateral and multilateral engagement, the Biden Administration will seek to build consensus on how trade policies may address the climate crisis, bolster sustainable renewable energy supply chains, end unfair trade practices, discourage regulatory arbitrage, and foster innovation and creativity.
Central components of the 2021 trade agenda will be the development and reinforcement of resilient manufacturing supply chains, especially those made up of small businesses, to ensure that the United States is better prepared to confront future public health crises. Additionally, trade policies will thoughtfully address the opportunities and challenges posed by the digital economy and prepare for any potential future disruptions to the global trading system.
Opening markets and reducing trade barriers are fundamental to any trade agenda. This will be a priority for the Biden Administration, particularly since export-oriented producers, manufacturers, and businesses enjoy greater than average productivity and wages. Market opportunities reap the greatest economic benefits when they are pursued in alignment with the interests of American workers and innovators, manufacturers, farmers, ranchers, fishers, and underserved communities. Under the Biden Administration, trade policy will encourage domestic investment and innovation and increase economic security for American families, including through combatting unfair practices by our trading partners.
President Biden’s comprehensive trade agenda will contribute to a strong domestic recovery and ensure future opportunities for American workers and businesses, including through opening international markets. The prioritized trade policies below support the President’s work to end the pandemic and strengthen the economy, while looking toward a more sustainable future by tackling unfair trade practices, creating and retaining good-paying American jobs, implementing labor practices that protect workers, and promoting policies that protect our environment.
