Concerns Over USTR’s Decision on Digital Trade Disciplines

SIIA has join multiple industry leaders to  express deep concern and disappointment over the Office of the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) withdrawal of support for proposed World Trade Organization (WTO) disciplines. These disciplines protect cross-border data flows, prevent data localization mandates, prohibit discrimination against American-made digital products, and safeguard sensitive source code from forced disclosure mandates. These disciplines are crucial for U.S. innovation, economic growth, and addressing global challenges. The U.S. has a history of leadership in the digital economy, benefiting farmers, startups, underserved communities, and digital services exports. USTR’s reversal on these issues threatens U.S. competitiveness and legitimizes digital protectionism worldwide, potentially harming American companies and workers. We call on the Administration to reverse this decision and return to its role as a global leader in shaping rules that benefit American workers and align with U.S. priorities and values.