On March 31, 2017, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on key issues related to international trade: (1) a Presidential Executive Order on Establishing Enhanced Collection and Enforcement of Antidumping (“AD”) and Countervailing Duties (“CVD”) and Violations of Trade and Customs Laws (“Enhanced AD/CVD Collection & Enforcement Executive Order”); and (2) a Presidential Executive Order Regarding the Omnibus Report on Significant Trade Deficits (“Omnibus Report On Significant Trade Deficits Executive Order”).

President Trump discussed both orders in a ceremony at the Oval Office late on Friday, March 31. The President was accompanied by Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur L. Ross, Jr., and Dr. Peter Navarro of the White House National Trade Council. In his remarks, President Trump recalled traveling during the presidential campaign to “the cities and towns devastated by unfair trade policies,” and he elaborated that trade is “probably one of the major reasons I’m here today.” The President remembered seeing “the shuttered factories” and spending “time with the laid-off factory workers,” explaining that “these voiceless Americans now have a voice in the White House. Under my administration, the theft of American prosperity will end. We’re going to defend our industry and create a level playing field for the American worker—finally.”