United States Trade Representative (USTR) nominee, Robert Lighthizer, received a warm bipartisan welcome at his March 14 confirmation hearing.
Lighthizer, who previously served as deputy USTR during the Reagan administration, has spent the majority of his career in private practice. His confirmation hearing focused on the ways in which he would use his expertise in trade litigation to fulfill the campaign promises made by Donald Trump.
Among the topics examined were the merits of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the future of trade agreements in the wake of the failed Trans-Pacific Partnership, and the usefulness of governing trade bodies such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) in resolving disputes. Lighthizer walked a fine line, speaking more generally than specifically, both discussing the potential for utilizing the WTO in resolving disputes, but also admitting he didn’t “believe the WTO is set up to deal effectively with a country like China and their industrial policy.” He also downplayed the necessity of reducing the trade deficit, instead focusing on the importance of market efficiency and “breaking down trade barriers.”
Lighthizer’s nomination has drawn praise from both sides of the aisle for his extensive experience in an area of policy that has already been a key focus of this administration. His nomination, however, remains pending in the Senate as part of ongoing negotiations regarding extension of the Miners Protection Act.
China Sets 2017 Goal to Cut Steel and Coal Capacity
Lingna Yan
On March 5, China’s Premier Li Keqiang vowed to cut another 50 million tons of steel capacity and 150 million tons of coal capacity this year, when delivering the government’s annual working report to the National People’s Congress. The Chinese central government has struggled with eliminating backward and excessive steel and coal capacities for more than a decade. In 2016, China had cut more than 65 million tons of steel capacity and 290 million tons of coal capacity. On March 9, sixteen Chinese central government agencies published new guidelines to promote eliminating backward capacities via multiple means including providing government grants and using differential electricity and financing policies. The guidelines give priorities to five industries including the steel industry and the coal industry.