Analyzing options for trade in the aftermath of the recent election, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) struck an optimistic tone on continued American support for free and fair global trade, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The speakers participated Monday evening in an event hosted by Politico, a news and information company covering policy and politics, at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

William Loux, IDFA regulatory and international affairs assistant, and Audra Kruse, IDFA communications specialist, attended the event, which brought together panels of experts to discuss the future of trade policy in the new administration.

Despite both speakers acknowledging that the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will not be passed by the end of the year as originally planned, neither was willing to call defeat. Froman said the deal was in “purgatory” rather than dead, and Brady pledged to work with President-Elect Donald Trump on the new administration’s concerns with the agreement.

Stressing his commitment to passing TPP or a modified version, Brady said withdrawing from the agreement and the Asia-Pacific region would set U.S. companies and workers at a disadvantage and cede markets to Chinese products. Instead, he said the U.S. should continue to ensure fair treatment of U.S. goods, services and data, adding that “these agreements done right, strictly enforced, level the playing field.”

IDFA believes that pursuing opportunities for U.S. dairy exports remains a worthwhile endeavor.

“Although we are disappointed that TPP will not pass during the lame duck session, IDFA will continue its efforts to ensure the removal of trade barriers in the Asia-Pacific region to U.S. dairy exports with the new administration,” said Beth Hughes, IDFA director of international affairs.

For more information on the status of TPP, contact Hughes at bhughes@idfa.org.



U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman (left) with Doug Palmer, Senior Trade Reporter at Politico.