As part of a new coalition representing the broad U.S. manufacturing sector, IDFA and 14 other organizations this week urged federal agency leaders to defend American economic interests against a “growing wave of activities” conducted by the United Nations that could harm American workers and jobs.
The groups said new UN policies and initiatives, such as price controls, “have not been developed in a manner transparent to all stakeholders, and are not based on good regulatory practice or sound science.” These initiatives have appeared at conferences, in reports and in regulatory guidances that pressure foreign governments to adopt policies that could harm U.S. manufacturers. IDFA has been working over the past year on related issues with the World Health Organization.
The coalition, called Engaging America’s Global Leadership (EAGL), addressed its concerns to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price and Acting U.S. Trade Representative Stephen Vaughn, as well as Nikki Haley, U.S. Ambassador to the UN.
“Many of these policy proposals and recommendations are formulated in ways that exclude or marginalize U.S. government and private sector representatives, calling into question the impartiality and motivations of these initiatives. These initiatives directly threaten not only U.S. manufacturing success, but our leadership in these institutions. It is imperative that U.S. interests be vigorously defended at all levels of the various global institutions that the United States supports and engages,” the groups said.
The Engaging America’s Global Leadership coalition is focused on fostering effective U.S. leadership to address the growing number of activities at global institutions such as the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that may have a negative impact U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and jobs. EAGL represents diverse industries such as food and agriculture, chemicals, plastics, footwear and apparel, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer products that are important contributors to the American economy, employing millions of American workers.
“America’s diplomats and government officials must stand up for U.S. manufacturing through smart engagement and leadership within these international organizations, hold them accountable, and drive progress and reform,” the groups said.
For more information, contact John Allan, IDFA vice president of regulatory affairs and international standards, at jallan@idfa.org.