Ways and Means panel backs U.S. trade enforcement, USMCA reforms

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Highlights

The House Ways and Means Committee pressed U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer for stricter enforcement of President Trump’s trade agenda and USMCA reforms to boost domestic manufacturing.
Ambassador Greer reported a 24 percent decrease in the U.S. trade deficit since April 2025, attributing it to the administration’s America First trade policy.
Congress extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act for one year and aims to use USMCA mechanisms to resolve ongoing digital tax and dairy market disputes.

Committee hearing highlights trade priorities

As outlined by the House Committee on Ways and Means, members used a recent hearing with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to press for stricter enforcement of President Trump’s trade agenda and changes to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Ambassador Greer says the U.S. trade deficit has fallen 24 percent since "Liberation Day" in April 2025 under the administration’s America First trade policy.

Lawmakers say some U.S. manufacturers still place facilities in Canada and Mexico, partly to gain access to imported inputs without paying U.S. tariffs. Chairman Smith urges the U.S. Trade Representative to make the USMCA joint review a vehicle for reforms that encourage companies to build new manufacturing capacity in the United States.

Greer also says Mexico has taken steps to align more closely with the United States on trade policy, including higher tariffs on certain goods from China and Vietnam. He argues that rules of origin need to be adjusted to create stronger incentives for American manufacturers.

Market access disputes remain in focus

The administration also maintains pressure on trading partners over Digital Services Taxes, which it says unfairly target U.S. companies. Committee members emphasize the need to improve the USMCA dispute settlement system while continuing to hold partners to their trade obligations.

The hearing also underscores support for the African Growth and Opportunity Act, which receives a one-year extension after bipartisan backing tied to U.S. economic and national security interests. At the same time, lawmakers and officials are looking to the USMCA process to address longstanding dairy disputes that have limited access for U.S. dairy farmers in the Canadian market.

U.S.-Italy trade and security coordination talks were the focus of our earlier coverage, highlighting a push to deepen bilateral cooperation as global challenges persist. We noted that both sides framed the relationship around strengthening commercial ties and aligning on shared security interests to support a broader strategic partnership.

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