This week, we received a copy of a bipartisan letter sent by four former US Trade Representatives to current USTR Ron Kirk (these are trade reps who served under Presidents’ Clinton and the Bush). The former Trade Representatives urge the Administration to NOT proceed with the tobacco exclusion without further consideration of the implications for our trading system “that all of us and you have worked hard to build.” In the letter, the former USTR’s indicate the safe harbor will set a new precedent for other sectors, interest groups and products. They also cite specific examples including European bans on US beef raised without hormones and products containing GMOs. The former USTRs feel that this proposal could needlessly hamper future USTR efforts to ensure fair treatment for US farmers, traders and investors.
As we move closer to the TPP negotiating round next week, we have received no indication of how USTR plans to proceed on this language though we know the language has not yet been tabled. We would appreciate your sharing this letter with anyone you feel appropriate to get the word out that this is not just about tobacco – but the trading system and other agriculture products. Our informal coalition in opposition to the safe harbor approval continues to grow and we now have partners in many sectors and companies.
