On October 16, 2018, the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) announced that, at the direction of the President, USTR Robert Lighthizer notified Congress that the Trump Administration intends to negotiate three separate trade agreements with Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom.
“Under President Trump’s leadership, we will continue to expand U.S. trade and investment by negotiating trade agreements with Japan, the EU and the United Kingdom,” said Ambassador Lighthizer. “Today’s announcement is an important milestone in that process. We are committed to concluding these negotiations with timely and substantive results for American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.”
In officially notifying Congress, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is following the procedures set out in the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 – often referred to as Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) – which requires ongoing consultations with Congress. These consultations ensure that USTR develops negotiating positions with the benefit of Congress’ views. USTR will also publish notices in the Federal Register requesting the public’s input on the direction, focus and content of the trade negotiations.
In accordance with TPA, USTR will publish objectives for the negotiations at least 30 days before formal trade negotiations begin.
- To read the notification letters sent to Congress regarding Japan, click here.
To read the notification letters sent to Congress regarding the European Union, click here.
To read the notification letters sent to Congress regarding the United Kingdom, click here.
The letters regarding Japan and EU indicate an intention to begin negotiations as soon as practicable, but no earlier than 90 days from the date of the letter. The letter regarding the UK indicates an intention to initiate negotiations with the UK as soon as it is ready after it exits from the EU on March 29, 2019.
