SC Nebraska News

Today, Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee Chairman Adrian Smith responded to the submission of the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to Congress. The NTE is an annual document that outlines foreign trade barriers encountered by U.S. exporters and the USTR's initiatives to alleviate these obstacles.

"This annual report is a critical tool to identify tariff and non-tariff barriers to American products in the global marketplace, clearly indicating where we need increased engagement with our partners," Smith stated. He pointed out issues such as market access in agriculture and manufacturing, along with challenges related to intellectual property, digital regulations, and investor protections.

Chairman Smith contrasted the current administration's approach with that of the previous administration, noting, "Whether it related to market access for agriculture, manufacturing, intellectual property, digital regulations, or investor protections, the previous administration did next to nothing to address such unfair trade practices." He praised the current administration for its willingness to engage with trade partners.

Smith urged President Trump and Ambassador Greer to support market access for producers through robust and enforceable trade agreements, which he emphasized could enhance market certainty and promote economic security based on rules.