TAIPEI – The United States and Taiwan, under the auspices of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO), held an in-person negotiating round for the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade in Taipei, Taiwan, from April 29 through May 3, 2024.
The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) led the U.S. delegation as the designated representative of AIT. Assistant United States Trade Representative for China, Mongolia and Taiwan Affairs Terry McCartin headed the U.S. delegation, which included officials from AIT as well as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Labor, and the Department of State.
Since their last in-person negotiating round in August 2023, the United States and Taiwan, under the auspices of AIT and TECRO, have held numerous virtual intersessional meetings as they work toward a second agreement under the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade. The first agreement was signed by representatives of AIT and TECRO on June 1, 2023. The text of this agreement can be found on USTR’s website.
During the just-concluded, in-person negotiating round, the two sides continued to exchange views on proposed texts, including in the areas of agriculture, labor, and the environment. The conversations were productive, and going forward the two sides will continue to hold regular discussions in order to reach consensus.
A U.S. Congressional staff delegation traveled to Taipei and was briefed by USTR officials throughout the round. USTR also hosted a stakeholder consultation meeting as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and robust external engagement.
These trade negotiations are being conducted consistent with the United States’ one China policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the three U.S.-China Joint Communiques, and the Six Assurances.
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