United States Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act

The "United States Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act" aims to bolster U.S. economic leadership and trade competitiveness within the vital Indo-Pacific region. It recognizes the region's immense economic importance and the urgent need for a robust U.S. strategy to counter the People's Republic of China's (PRC) aggressive expansion of influence through trade agreements and unfair practices. The bill asserts that the PRC's actions, including its participation in agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), disadvantage American workers and businesses. To inform future policymaking, the legislation mandates the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) to conduct an investigation within 180 days. This investigation will examine how existing Indo-Pacific regional trade agreements, such as RCEP and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), affect U.S. exports, growth opportunities, and supply chain resilience. It will also analyze the impact of non-tariff barriers and compare these agreements to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) regarding their effects on U.S. businesses and workers. Furthermore, the bill establishes an independent Indo-Pacific Trade Strategy Commission , composed of 12 members with relevant expertise. This Commission is tasked with developing comprehensive findings and recommendations for a U.S. trade strategy in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to ensure sustained U.S. economic leadership, promote innovation, counter the PRC's trade agenda, and strengthen national security. The Commission will engage with the public and Congress, ultimately submitting a final report within 18 months.