ALI hosted U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai for an intimate conversation discussing the current trade agenda and plans for the second half of the Administration.

ALI hosted a discussion on digital trade policy in the context of the WTO, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) as well as other fora.

ALI convened its first day-long roundtable with leaders from around the country to talk about the top challenges to U.S. leadership, values, and democracy. Members of Congress, along with leaders from business, civil society, academia, and local government, had a candid and nuanced discussion on China; trade and industrial policy; democracy; climate change; and digital governance. Senator Kaine, together with Representatives Casten, Houlahan, Larsen, and Schneider shared their perspectives during the day’s discussions.

ALI hosted senior Congressional staff to talk about the trade agenda in the upcoming Congress. Top of mind are the importance of renewing Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), managing negotiations around the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF), and ensuring digital trade remains a priority.

ALI members only event

ALI hosted a group of experts to discuss the role of data in building resilient supply chains. Participants recognized efforts by both Congress and the Administration in this area, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as the Executive Order on America’s Supply Chains. Much learning has come out of the past few years of supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and both the government and the private sector looking at ways to increase the use of data to drive transparency and resiliency through supply chains.

ALI hosted a webinar on the national and economic impacts of the global food crisis. Experts outlined the ways that food insecurity impacts national security, including contributing to terrorism; causing political instability or fragility; and buying influence through food. The World Food Program will be a strong mitigating force as the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues. Experts noted that the United States should continue efforts on sustainable production and pointed out that the increase in food prices around the world hurts food insecure populations first.

ALI members only event

ALI hosted the senior IndoPacific Economic Framework (IPEF) negotiating team from the Department of Commerce (DOC) for a conversation. The negotiators gave an update on negotiations, including the enthusiasm by all the countries to join all the pillars (except India). The negotiators acknowledged the challenge of negotiating a new type of agreement, with no precedent. While the negotiators have accomplished the goal of inclusivity, they will now seek to achieve high standards.

ALI members only event

Building on positive momentum out of the IPEF Ministerial in Los Angeles, ALI convened a distinguished group of experts to exchange views on how to ensure the success of IPEF. Many agreed on the importance of setting high standards for the framework, including digital, supply chain, and labor, among other areas, and on the many potential benefits of IPEF for small businesses. Guests acknowledged the role of Congress in achieving a meaningful framework, as well as the difficulty of working without traditional market access provisions. Finally, many supported pushing toward early IPEF wins in time for APEC 2023, the U.S. host year.

ALI member event only

ALI hosted key congressional trade staff to discuss Congress’ international economic agenda for the Fall. The discussion covered the IPEF negotiations, following up on Trade Adjustment Assistance, the Generalized System of Preferences, and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bills that were left out of the CHIPS legislation, as well as the implementation of the recently passed ban on forced labor in supply chains. The speakers discussed their strong interest in U.S. trade negotiations with Taiwan, as well as with the U.K. and Kenya, and expressed the view that the China 301 tariffs are unlikely to be lifted in the near future.

ALI members only event
ALI hosted an esteemed group of members of Congress and Administration representatives, together with thought leaders from the business and think tank communities to discuss a reset of U.S. policy towards China. All agreed on the urgency of passing USICA/Competes Act, and the importance of domestic investment as a key component of the U.S. being able to compete globally.

Ambassador Doug Lute spoke with the ALI community about the global economic impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In framing comments, Amb. Lute said the conflict is about the struggle between two competing visions of how the world governs itself: the western nation-state model vs Putin’s empire building model and noted Putin’s surprise over the strength of the coalition against Russia.

ALI hosted a discussion with Senator Menendez regarding his new legislation, the Economic Statecraft for the 21st Century Act. Senator Menendez focused on how U.S. economic tools have not changed to address changes in world order and address national security concerns. He introduced his economic statecraft bill, which seeks to directly address competition with China, protect Taiwan, and reassert U.S. values globally. Senator Menendez framed the global order not in terms of a bipolar choice between the U.S. and China, but between authoritarian governance and democratic values.

ALI members only event
ALI hosted a discussion on encouraging sustainable, inclusive development in the Northern Triangle. Participants recognized the strategic importance of the region and the nearshoring opportunities. The Congressman has co-sponsored legislation with Rep. Ted Yoho to foster economic development in the region to address the root causes of migration. He highlighted that the Northern Triangle is a good sourcing destination for textile and apparel sourcing that is being moved out of China.

ALI members only event
ALI hosted a wide-ranging discussion with Peter Harrell, starting with the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the resulting sanctions on geopolitics and the global economy.

ALI members only event
ALI hosted a discussion on the Digital Elements of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Participants recognized that establishing U.S. standards in the Indo-Pacific puts U.S. workers and business across sectors in the best position to compete and applauded the Administration’s strategy.

ALI members only event

ALI hosted a conversation with four senior Senate staffers to look ahead at the 2022 Senate international agenda. Panelists outlined a wide-ranging legislative agenda, including the FY22 appropriations package and the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), with some question on how much of the CHIPs funding will get through. Both are high priority, and panelists remained optimistic about their contents and passage.

Click below to listen to the complete conversation.

ALI hosted a discussion on U.S. climate policy and recent developments in U.S. climate policy and carbon border adjustment mechanisms (CBAMs), covering the results of COP26, the U.S.-EU trade agreement on steel and aluminum, the EU proposal for a carbon border adjustment mechanism, and China’s role in the global climate and trade debate.

ALI members only event

ALI hosted a discussion on U.S.-China Policy and Competitiveness with Representatives Abigail Spanberger and Rick Larsen, as well as thought leaders from business, think tanks, and civil society. The conversation explored how the U.S. can and should improve its global competitiveness and how engagement with China is necessary, even in the face of the relationship’s many complex challenges.