A New Trade Agenda

Official Guests

• Congresswoman Suzan DelBene

• Congresswoman Val Hoyle

• Congressman Jimmy Panetta

• The Honorable Ron Kind

ALI convened three members of Congress, together with thought leaders from the business, think tank and civil society communities to discuss a new tariff agenda, opposing the current chaotic and volatile tariff policy. A new tariff agenda should have affordability as a guiding principle, especially in deciding what tariffs to eliminate unilaterally, such as foodstuffs and other household items. The group discussed the importance of creating guardrails for many of the tariff statutes to prevent the abuse by the Executive Branch. These could include limiting their scope, incorporating sunset provisions, and improved oversight and monitoring.

The participants discussed using tariffs for strategic goals, including addressing unfair trade practices, protecting national security, advancing development policy (as in the case of AGOA), and facilitating climate policy, as in the case of carbon border adjustment mechanisms. It was agreed that coordinating tariffs vis-à-vis China with allies is critical to addressing national security.