Trade Subcommittee Chairman Smith Statement on Biden Administration’s Trade Agenda

Washington, D.C. – Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith released the following statement on the Biden administration's 2023 Trade Policy Agenda and 2022 Annual Report:

“I’m disappointed the Biden administration has, once again, chosen not to prioritize building our trade relationships through enforceable, high-standard trade agreements. Their framework-first approach to trade fails to level the playing field for U.S. producers, falls short of lowering costs for U.S. consumers, and leaves opportunities on the table for adversaries like China. One of the surest, most steadfast ways to re-align the U.S.-China relationship is to negotiate real trade agreements with our partners before they are forced to turn to China. Dialogues and frameworks do not go far enough.

“The administration must also focus on holding our trading partners to their commitments, one main example being USCMA and Mexico’s ongoing and unscientific ban on biotech corn from the United States. It’s past time the Biden administration hold Mexico accountable and immediately initiate formal dispute consultations under USMCA.

“The world is watching, and the United States must lean in from a position of strength to defend American interests. This trade agenda, while well-intentioned, falls woefully short.”