In a move that underscores the enduring commitment to the “America First” agenda, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) today announced a formal review of the Economic and Trade Agreement with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). This simultaneous announcement of a review of the agreement and a separate probe into unfair foreign trade practices sends a clear and unmistakable message: the era of unchecked Chinese trade behavior is over.
For too long, American workers and businesses have borne the brunt of a global trade system that allowed China to benefit from lax enforcement and broken promises. This agreement, intended to level the playing field, is now under intense scrutiny to determine if the PRC is indeed upholding its commitments.
This announcement is not an isolated incident; it’s a direct continuation of the policies initiated under the Trump administration, which recognized the systematic imbalances that had developed in our trade relationship with China. The ‘America First’ policy is not, as some critics claim, about isolationism; it’s about asserting American strength and ensuring fair, reciprocal trade practices that benefit the United States and its citizens. This involves challenging the globalist status quo, that for decades prioritized cheap goods and profits over jobs and manufacturing capability, a priority shift that has already begun restoring America’s industrial might.
The review of the Economic and Trade Agreement is crucial because it allows us to re-evaluate whether China has genuinely reformed its practices concerning intellectual property theft, forced technology transfer, and discriminatory barriers to American exports. It also looks at how they are meeting their promised purchases of American agricultural and manufactured goods, which is particularly significant for American farmers and factory workers. By meticulously evaluating these factors, the USTR can determine the extent of China’s compliance, and, more importantly, prepare targeted and impactful responses.
This action comes on the heels of consistent pressure from domestic industries, which are suffering from unfair competition. For instance, American manufacturing firms have long struggled to compete with Chinese companies that benefit from state subsidies and disregard for intellectual property rights, and the agricultural sector has been forced to operate in an imbalanced market that prioritizes price over sustainability and quality. The USTR’s decision to review the trade agreement is a significant acknowledgment of these longstanding concerns and a signal that the government is not only listening, but taking action.
Critics of the ‘America First’ approach often argue that protectionism is bad for the American economy and leads to trade wars. They prefer a globalized system where American companies must constantly compete in a race to the bottom, often sacrificing job security and fair wages for lower prices. However, the experience of recent years shows this is not the case. The USTR is demonstrating a willingness to use these levers to protect domestic industries and force China to adhere to global trade standards, which has been proven time and time again that this is an essential element to ensure healthy global trade. When China is held to account, when unfair practices are called out and rectified, the end result is a more level playing field that benefits both parties.
The concurrent announcement of a review of unfair trade practices is an important complement to the agreement review. It indicates the USTR is going beyond a narrow focus on the specifics of the Economic and Trade Agreement and is looking at the broader range of Chinese trade behavior. This comprehensive approach is essential to ensuring fair trade and protecting American businesses from deceptive and damaging practices.
President Trump’s approach of putting America first wasn’t an act of aggression. It was a necessary corrective to restore the balance in global trade, and the current administration understands the need for vigilance. The USTR’s actions are more than just a review of an agreement; they are a step to ensure that America remains a global economic leader, where fair trade is the norm.
There is no ambiguity, this review is not just a formality. It’s an enforcement tool that aligns with the ethos of the “America First” policy. It is an unwavering commitment to the economic security and prosperity of the United States, and it is an act of justice for the many American workers and businesses that have suffered from Chinese abuses of the international system. The implications are clear, if China wants access to the largest consumer market in the world, it will have to abide by rules of fair trade and treat the United States as an equal trading partner, not a target for economic exploitation.
