- We seek to establish fair, transparent, timely, and effective procedures to settle disputes on matters arising under a trade and investment agreement with the EU, including through early identification and settlement of disputes through consultation.
We recognize that trade agreements that are effectively enforced establish a set of high-standard rules and obligations that help keep markets open to U.S. exporters and investors and ensure a level playing field. When we negotiate and implement a trade agreement, we expect our trading partners to stick by the rules and obligations they agreed to. However, when our trading partners fall short of what they promised – whether to reduce tariffs, implement strong labor and environment provisions, or otherwise provide U.S. exporters fair and non-discriminatory treatment – we need a means to hold them accountable. This is why we have this important objective to establish a fair and open dispute settlement mechanism. Dispute settlement gives us a means to discuss our concerns in a timely way and to seek compensation if they are not addressed. Dispute settlement with trading partners in T-TIP will give the American public the confidence that we not only negotiate strong, high-standard obligations, but that we also have the means to enforce them.
For more information on dispute settlement, visit www.ustr.gov/trade-agreements/wto-multilateral-affairs/wto-issues/dispute-settlement.
Additional Resources:
The Facts on Investor State Dispute Settlement
