What happened
The White House is seeking non-tariff measures to enforce bilateral trade agreements with countries like China. According to Christopher Phelan, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Directors, the Trump administration needs additional tools to ensure that other countries adhere to trade agreements. Phelan made these comments at an event hosted by the US-Asia Fair Market Alliance ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington.
Phelan emphasized that countries should act in their self-interest and that trade negotiations are about two groups of democratically elected officials negotiating for the well-being of their own people. However, he conceded that just because an agreement is reached, it does not mean the other side will comply.
The White House is considering legislation that would allow the US to deport or deny visas to foreign government officials who target US companies. Phelan gave tacit approval of this legislation, seeing it as an enforcement mechanism. A recent survey found that a majority of respondents agree that US allies should provide American companies with the same market access that the US provides to their companies.
Next week, President Trump will host President Xi for a two-day trip to the White House, where they will discuss trade agreements. While some advancements are expected, China still maintains a significant trade advantage over the US, with roughly 75% of the $400 billion annual exchange consisting of Chinese exports to America.
