Establishment of the Interagency Committee on Trade in Automotive Goods
Mar 6, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Feb 28, 2020
Published on: Mar 6, 2020
Mar 6, 2020
Signed by: Donald Trump
Signed on: Feb 28, 2020
Published on: Mar 6, 2020
Summary
Establishes a group to give advice on the rules for trading cars and car parts under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
What problem does this solve?
The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement introduced new, complex rules for the auto industry that require careful management. This order creates a special committee of government experts to oversee these rules and advise on how they affect the U.S. economy, workers, and consumers.
What does this order do?
Establishes a new committee for automotive trade
Creates the Interagency Committee on Trade in Automotive Goods to advise on the car-related parts of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).
Defines committee responsibilities
Requires the committee to review how the USMCA's car rules affect the U.S. economy, workers, and consumers, and to consider the impact of new technology.
Appoints committee members and leadership
Specifies that the committee will include leaders from the Departments of Commerce, Labor, Homeland Security, and Treasury, with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) serving as the Chair.
Sets up a decision-making process
States that the committee should try to agree by consensus, but allows for a majority vote if needed. The Chair (USTR) has the power to break any tie votes.
Directs agencies to create new rules
Orders the Departments of the Treasury and Labor, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, to issue new regulations needed to put the auto trade rules into practice.
Who does this affect?
- Automotive industry
- Auto workers
- U.S. consumers of automobiles
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures smooth implementation of new car trade rules
Creates a dedicated group of experts from different government agencies to oversee the complex automotive rules in the USMCA, making sure they are enforced correctly and work as intended for the U.S.
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Centralizes power over auto trade decisions
Gives the United States Trade Representative (USTR) the role of Chair with tie-breaking authority, potentially allowing trade policy objectives to override the views of other agencies like the Departments of Commerce or Labor.
When does this start?
This order took effect on February 28, 2020, when it was signed.