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Trade

Growing the innovation economy requires tight and deep integration of global markets—but with the critical caveat that this integration must come with strong commitments to openness and robust, market-oriented national competitiveness policies, not protectionist market distortions. ITIF's research focuses on how to promote robust trade, especially in innovation-based industries, and curb the spread of innovation mercantilism in all its forms.

Stephen Ezell
Stephen Ezell

Vice President, Global Innovation Policy, and Director, Center for Life Sciences Innovation

Information Technology and Innovation Foundation

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Featured

Go to the Mattresses: It’s Time to Reset U.S.-EU Tech and Trade Relations

Go to the Mattresses: It’s Time to Reset U.S.-EU Tech and Trade Relations

In its bid for tech sovereignty, the EU has been aggressively targeting U.S. firms and industries with unfair protectionist policies. This cannot stand. To move forward into a new era of deeper transatlantic trade integration, America must first demand a level playing field.

Testimony to the US House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee: Protecting American Innovation by Establishing and Enforcing Strong Digital Trade Rules

Testimony to the US House Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee: Protecting American Innovation by Establishing and Enforcing Strong Digital Trade Rules

Congress needs to make clear that it expects other nations to cease and desist, while at the same time holding whoever is in the White House to high standards of more strongly incorporating digital issues into a robust trade defense strategy.

How Expanding the Information Technology Agreement to an “ITA-3” Would Bolster Nations’ Economic Growth

How Expanding the Information Technology Agreement to an “ITA-3” Would Bolster Nations’ Economic Growth

Completing a second expansion of the Information Technology Agreement (an “ITA-3”) could bring more than 400 unique ICT products under the ITA’s tariff-eliminating framework, which would add more than $750 billion to the global economy over 10 years.

How to Mitigate the Damage From China’s Unfair Trade Practices by Giving USITC Power to Make Them Less Profitable

How to Mitigate the Damage From China’s Unfair Trade Practices by Giving USITC Power to Make Them Less Profitable

Section 337 of the 1930 Tariff Act allows the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to bar imports when domestic industries suffer harm due to unfair competition. Congress should expand the law to better address the unfair trade practices China uses to capture market share in advanced industries at America’s expense.

More Publications and Events

February 5, 2025|Op-Eds & Contributed Articles

Understanding Trump’s Mindset Is Key if Canada Wants to Survive This Trade War

Unfortunately for Canada, Trump is a steadfast protectionist. To respond effectively to his threatened tariffs, Canadian officials must first understand Trump's mindset.

February 3, 2025|Blogs

Fact of the Week: A Significant Disruption to Taiwanese Semiconductor Production Could Increase the Prices of US Logic Chips by 59 Percent

A major disruption in U.S. semiconductor trade with Taiwan would result in a 59 percent increase in the price domestic producers have to pay.

February 2, 2025|Blogs

Trump the Protectionist: Canada and Mexico Are the First Salvos

Opponents should argue 1) this beef with Canada and Mexico is trivial; 2) without allies, America will lose the war against China, period; and conversely 3) a key way to beat China is to develop a North American production system.

January 29, 2025|Blogs

Why US Trade Policy Needs to Prioritize Advanced Industries for Global Competitiveness

The new administration and policymakers should target the U.S.-China trade deficit by increasing exports of advanced industry products and reducing imports of these products from Chinese firms.

January 28, 2025|Blogs

Trump’s Proposed Tariffs on Taiwanese Semiconductors Would Backfire

Trump’s proposed 100% tariffs on Taiwanese chips would hike prices, hurt U.S. tech, help China, and alienate a key ally—without bringing jobs home.

January 15, 2025|Blogs

The EU Has Been Taking Advantage of America’s Effort to Combat Chinese Economic Mercantilism

The EU over the last 7 years has cravenly ducked the industrial fight against China, attempting to expand its exports while America shoulders the costs. That cannot be allowed to continue as the new Trump administration ratchets up pressure against our common adversary.

January 9, 2025|Op-Eds & Contributed Articles

We Are in an Industrial War. China Is Starting to Win.

China’s primary goal is to damage the U.S. economy and become the world’s pre-eminent power. America must respond by expanding its competitiveness in key technologies and industries ranging from AI to aerospace.

January 8, 2025|Blogs

Trump Should Create a Verification Regime to Ensure Chinese E-Commerce Platforms Comply With Protections Against Forced Labor

Policymakers should aim for a balanced approach to complying with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA)—ensuring that platforms are transparent about their supply chains, while also preventing bad actors from exploiting the system.

January 7, 2025|Blogs

Export Controls on AI Chips: Biden’s Overreach Risks U.S. Leadership in Tech

The Biden administration's proposed export controls would impose sweeping restrictions on chip exports, risking U.S. competitiveness while failing to effectively address national security concerns.

December 18, 2024|Testimonies & Filings

Comments to the US International Trade Commission Regarding Active Matrix OLED Display Panels

Section 337 was made into law to help address unfair foreign trade practices. It should be used vigorously to prevent the import of IP-infringing products from firms that systemically benefit from unfair government practices in non-market, non-rule-of-law economies such as China.

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