USTR Speaks With South Korea, Japan, Mexico, France

U.S.Trade Representative Katherine Tai talked with Japan's Trade Minister Kajiyama Hiroshi about how they're concerned about unfair trading practices from non-market economies such as China, but did not mention that topic coming up with the South Korean trade minister. South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee and Tai talked about how the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement strengthened economic ties, and discussed World Trade Organization reform, the call summary said. The Korean press emphasized agreement on writing digital trade rules. Tai also spoke with Mexican Economy Secretary Tatiana Clouthier, and they talked about fully implementing USMCA and Mexico's labor reform. “Tai also stressed the critical importance of cooperation on climate and environmental issues, as well as reform at the World Trade Organization and the mutual benefits of robust bi-lateral agricultural trade,” a readout of the talk said. Clouthier tweeted her thanks for such a productive meeting.

Tai spoke with French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire about " trengthening cooperation on shared objectives related to large non-market economies, such as China, forced labor, and trade policy support for climate change objectives. They also discussed their strong interest in resolving the dispute related to large civil aircraft subsidies and addressing global steel and aluminum overcapacity."