In One Sentence

• The first Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting led to useful outcomes and restored a sense of common purpose in trans-Atlantic relations, U.S. and EU officials noted. 
• U.S. officials shone the spotlight on the role of “non-market economies” and the use of technologies to “suppress dissent” at OECD meetings.
• The U.S. must “fully engage” with its Indo-Pacific partners, Amb. Katherine Tai noted in response to a question about the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreement.

Mark the Essentials

• Export controls is an area where the U.S. and EU plan to move quickly and reach substantive outcomes, European Commission Executive Vice President and Trade Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis noted after the conclusion of the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting in Pittsburgh.
• At the OECD-led meetings in Paris, Ambassador Tai called out the “global distortive practices” of “non-market economies” and mentioned China explicitly in this regard, while Secretary of State Blinken observed that emerging technologies should be used to “advance human freedom” rather than “suppress dissent, further entrench inequities, or target minority communities.”
• When asked about the U.S.’ reengagement with CPTPP, Ambassador Tai refrained from committing to joining the pact, claiming instead that the U.S. should address “realities and challenges” that came to light following the conclusion of the TPP negotiations.

Keeping an Eye On…

• The Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting marks a solid step forward as the United States works to strengthen and reinvigorate cooperation with its European allies and partners, which the White House considers an important component of the United States’ competition with China. The TTC meeting also provided an important platform to address semiconductor-related issues; both the chip shortage that has caused widespread short-term disruptions as well as the potential for developing longer-term fabrication reshoring. On the other hand, the differences between the two sides on digital policy issues were glossed over for the time being. The Biden administration’s lack of equivalent clarity on trade and investment engagement with its Indo-Pacific partners has left many in the region underwhelmed. Its evasive attitude on engaging with the CPTPP in particular has called into question its economic strategy and commitment to the region. 

Expanded Reading

• Readout of Ambassador Katherine Tai’s Participation in the OECD Ministerial Meeting, Office of the United States Trade Representative, October 6
• Secretary Antony J. Blinken at OECD Opening and Keynote Address, U.S. Department of State, October 5

• US, EU agree to further trade and technology talks, AP News, September 29
• FACT SHEET: U.S.-EU Establish Common Principles to Update the Rules for the 21st Century Economy at Inaugural Trade and Technology Council Meeting, White House, September 29