Statement On The Updating Of The Trade And Investment Council Agreement Between The U.S. And Ecuador

Washington, DC – Internet Association Director, Trade Policy Jordan Haas issued the following statement on the United States and Ecuador updating the Trade and Investment Council Agreement with a new Protocol on Trade Rules and Transparency (Phase One trade agreement).

“This Phase One trade agreement with Ecuador represents a missed opportunity to bolster America’s digital trade framework through the inclusion of a robust digital chapter. Ecuador is currently debating legislation that will have a direct impact on cross-border digital trade and information flows. As IA highlighted in this year’s National Trade Estimate filing, the failure to include clear digital language means the U.S. will not be pushing back on these potential trade barriers. 

“America boasted a $219 digital trade surplus last year, and an agreement with Ecuador that empowered small businesses across the country to reach an Ecuadorian market would have given U.S. job creators a much-needed boost, especially in this tough economic environment.”

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