Strategic Trade Policy is Needed to Truly Build Back Better

Blake Harden, vice president, international trade at the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) issued the following statement recognizing World Trade Week:

“RILA welcomes President Biden’s Proclamation that May 16-22 is World Trade Week. It is heartening the president recognizes the critical role global trade plays in creating millions of jobs for American workers. International trade plays a substantial role in leading retailers’ ability to provide customers the quality products they need at a price point they can afford. Our industry supports more than 50 million American jobs and trade policies have a significant impact on our ability to support those jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy. 

“We look forward to working with the Biden-Harris Administration on implementing a U.S. trade policy that rolls back destructive tariffs that have failed to stop China’s unfair trading practices and that continue creating economic harm to U.S. retailers and the American families and consumers they serve. We also look forward to working with the Administration on a U.S. trade policy that supports American businesses and workers by resolving trade disputes through strategic dialogues and by opening new markets to American goods and services all over the world. 

“To truly build back better, U.S. trade policy cannot take a backseat to our domestic policy – it must be done in tandem. We hope World Trade Week shines a light on how a smart, cohesive, and strategic U.S. trade policy can help American businesses, workers, and families emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.”

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RILA is the US trade association for leading retailers. We convene decision-makers, advocate for the industry, and promote operational excellence and innovation. Our aim is to elevate a dynamic industry by transforming the environment in which retailers operate.

RILA members include more than 200 retailers, product manufacturers, and service suppliers, which together account for more than $1.5 trillion in annual sales, millions of American jobs, and more than 100,000 stores, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers domestically and abroad.
 

Tags

• International Trade
• Supporting Free Markets and Fostering Innovation
• Ensuring a Safe, Sustainable Future
• Public Policy
• Supply Chain
• Retail Works for All of Us