Publications: Eli Clemens

While false “Made in USA” claims are a real problem, the solution is not holding online marketplaces liable but strengthening data infrastructure and verification systems that enable regulators, consumers, and AI tools to more effectively identify and enforce legitimate claims.

Boosting U.S. competitiveness in national power industries is necessary, but not sufficient to avoid losing to China. America also must take measures to slow the PRC’s progress toward global dominance. This report provides more than 100 actionable recommendations for the administration and Congress. Western allies should take many of the same steps.

China has surged ahead of the United States in adopting sidewalk delivery robots due to more proactive and coordinated policy experimentation, offering lessons for U.S. policymakers on how real-world pilots and clearer regulatory frameworks can accelerate deployment of autonomous delivery technology.

Agentic commerce—where AI agents autonomously shop and transact on users’ behalf—could deliver major efficiency gains, but outdated regulations and unresolved legal questions risk slowing adoption unless policymakers update rules built for human-driven transactions.

CFIUS’ procedures need to be strengthened to ensure that Chinese entities, particularly those influenced or backed by Chinese government influence or funding, cannot acquire U.S. companies or technology that could harm America’s economic or national security.

Congress is right to flag Alipay over national security and data risks, but a blanket ban without first conducting audits or establishing reciprocity safeguards would be premature. Regulators should investigate the platform before Congress considers banning it.

Chinese online marketplaces like AliExpress and Temu often list counterfeits of American products while limiting search engine indexing, making it difficult for rights holders to detect infringements. The U.S. Trade Representative should include these platforms on the 2025 Notorious Markets List and consider indexing transparency as a criterion for future listings.

Advanced manufacturers based in East Asia are expanding investment into the U.S. economy. Yet, many of their internal value chains remain anchored in China, giving the PRC significant leverage over U.S. interests. U.S. policymakers should respond both defensively and offensively.

If the USTR is serious about protecting U.S. consumers and businesses from copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting, it should designate Chinese online platforms Temu, AliExpress, and SHEIN as notorious markets.

China has failed to meet its commitments under the U.S.-China POA. It is not a reliable trade partner, as potential commitments to reverse its predatory practices are antithetical to its long-term techno-economic project.