JAIPUR – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today met with France’s Minister for Foreign Trade, Olivier Becht, ahead of the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers’ Meeting.
Ambassador Tai and Minister Becht shared updates on the negotiations on a global arrangement on steel and aluminum trade and the U.S.-European Union Critical Minerals Agreement. On the global arrangement negotiations, Ambassador Tai stressed the importance of reaching a high-standard agreement that substantively addresses carbon intensity in the steel and aluminum sectors and issues related to non-market excess production. They welcomed positive momentum in the negotiations on a critical minerals agreement between the United States and EU, and agreed on the value of reaching consensus to demonstrate the strength of the transatlantic trade partnership.
Finally, the ministers discussed the World Trade Organization, the importance of reform, and the need to improve all of the organization's functions, including the dispute settlement system. Ambassador Tai noted the positive discussions underway in Geneva and reiterated the United States’ commitment to the WTO. The ministers agreed on the importance of a successful 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in 2024 – the first WTO reform ministerial – and agreed to stay in regular touch on the important challenges ahead.
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