USTR says new National Trade Estimate more in line with ‘statute’s intent’

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s new National Trade Estimate breaks with past practice by limiting its scope to trade barriers that do not serve legitimate public policy interests, saying it was more closely hewing to its congressional mandate. The anticipated move drew immediate condemnation from business groups concerned about what they view as an abdication of U.S. leadership on digital trade. “We are taking steps to return it to its stated statutory purpose,” USTR Katherine Tai said in...