United States Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific Act

Key Points

• The bill directs the U.S. International Trade Commission to conduct a 180-day investigation into how Indo-Pacific trade agreements like RCEP and CPTPP are affecting American exports, workers, and supply chains.
• A new 12-member Indo-Pacific Trade Strategy Commission would be created to develop a comprehensive trade strategy for the region, with a final report due to Congress within 18 months. Members must have expertise in trade, supply chains, labor, or environmental policy.
• The bill is driven by concern that China is using trade agreements like RCEP to expand its economic influence and increase other countries' dependence on Chinese supply chains, putting American businesses at a competitive disadvantage.
• Congress finds that there are now over 200 preferential trade agreements in force in the Indo-Pacific with more than 100 more under negotiation, leaving the United States increasingly on the outside as other nations build closer economic ties.
• The bill frames a stronger U.S. trade presence in the Indo-Pacific as a way to improve labor rights, raise environmental standards, build resilient supply chains, and grow the American economy by removing barriers to U.S. exports.