WASHINGTON D.C.- The following statement can be attributed to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President and Head of International Affairs Myron Brilliant:
“We are delighted the U.S. and EU demonstrated their shared commitment and underscored the commercial and strategic importance of the transatlantic relationship during today’s summit.
“The Chamber applauds the hard work of Ambassador Tai and Executive Vice President Dombrovskis in securing an agreement that effectively ends the 16-year old disputes relating to aircraft production. This is good news for a critical manufacturing sector that provides more than half a million middle class jobs across the U.S. as well as for the small businesses, workers, farmers, and other companies who were caught up in this dispute. Above all, this agreement will help pave the way for the U.S. and EU to address non-market practices in global markets, uphold fair competition, and help our workers and companies compete on a level playing field.
“We’re also pleased the U.S. and EU have launched a bilateral Trade & Technology Council (TTC), a strategic dialogue the Chamber has consistently encouraged. When appropriate, the United States should leverage this platform to push back against European digital policies that could discriminate against American companies. The Chamber will continue engaging with officials to ensure outcomes that support sustainable growth and job creation.
“Today’s agreement on aircraft subsidies and the launch of the TTC pave the way for closer U.S.- EU cooperation to counter non-market actors in the areas of subsidies, forced technology transfer and investment.
“We had hoped for more movement towards lifting the U.S. Section 232 tariffs on imports of steel and aluminum as well as Europe’s countermeasures. Businesses across multiple sectors have felt the pain of these tariffs, and we encourage the working group to move quickly towards resolution.
“Finally, we urge negotiators to finalize a new Privacy Shield agreement. The ability to move data across borders is the bedrock of transatlantic commerce in the digital age. Swiftly reaching a new agreement will send the clearest signal that the transatlantic economic relationship is sound and cooperation with regard to the digital economy is possible.”
