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Eli Clemens

Eli Clemens

Policy Analyst

Center for Data Innovation

Eli Clemens is a policy analyst focusing on e-commerce and retail technology policy at ITIF’s Center for Data Innovation. Previously, he worked as an open source intelligence analyst and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in China. He holds a Master of International Affairs degree from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs and a B.A. from New York University.

Recent Publications

April 24, 2025

USPS Needs Innovation—Not a White House Takeover

President Trump’s proposal to move USPS under the Department of Commerce would politicize an independent institution, risking service disruptions and unfair pricing. Instead, USPS needs innovation-focused reforms that boost efficiency, strengthen public-private collaboration, and maintain its universal service mission without political interference.

April 15, 2025

Strengthening Product Safety Enforcement on Chinese E-commerce Platforms

Chinese platforms like Temu, SHEIN, and AliExpress continue to list unsafe products even after U.S. safety warnings, revealing serious gaps in enforcement. The Consumer Product Safety Commission needs stronger authority, better platform cooperation, and AI-driven tools to protect consumers.

April 7, 2025

Make Foreign Adversary Bills Smarter

State lawmakers are moving to restrict contracts with foreign adversaries, but many bills miss the mark—failing to reduce actual security risks while driving up costs and limiting access to key technologies. A smarter path forward would prioritize transparency, collaboration with federal agencies, and a focused strategy targeting high-risk components.

April 4, 2025

CPSC Should Leverage AI to Modernize Product Safety

To modernize enforcement, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) should use AI to analyze real-time and historical data, allowing it to predict and address risks in e-commerce supply chains before harm occurs.

April 2, 2025

How China’s State-Backed E-Commerce Platforms Threaten American Consumers and U.S. Technology Leadership

China’s industrial strategy calls for gaining market share in e-commerce to expand its global influence, financial footprint, and ability to compete in AI. Policymakers should act now to avoid leaving U.S. platforms at a structural disadvantage and exposing U.S. consumers to harm.

February 22, 2025

How to Close Loopholes on Chinese E-Commerce and Boost US Retailers

A well-calibrated approach that prevents Chinese companies like Shein and Temu from exploiting loopholes while incentivizing compliance and supporting vetted sellers on U.S. platforms would best serve U.S. economic and strategic interests.

February 6, 2025

CBP Should Leverage AI, Not More Staff, to Manage the Surge in Inspections After Partial End to De Minimis Exception

The Trump administration has two choices after ending de minimis treatment for imports from China: Either turn Customs and Border Patrol into the largest federal agency, or make it a leader in government technology. In the age of AI, the right path is obvious.

January 23, 2025

Comments to the Cyberspace Administration of China Regarding Certification of Personal Information Transferred Abroad

By streamlining compliance costs, clarifying definitions, and easing the extraterritorial scope of the legislation, the Cyberspace Administration of China can foster a more business-friendly environment while still ensuring data security for personal information.

January 8, 2025

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.

December 19, 2024

Trump Should Revise the CFPB’s New Rules for Digital Payment Apps To Avoid Stifling Innovation

The CFPB’s new regulations impose broad oversight on digital payment apps, risking innovation by applying a one-size-fits-all approach; the incoming Trump administration should revise the rule to ensure balanced consumer protection.

More publications by Eli Clemens

Recent Events and Presentations

April 22, 2025

How the Rise of Chinese E-Commerce Platforms Will Impact the United States

Watch now for a discussion with experts on e-commerce regulation, logistics, and policy as they explored the growth of Chinese e-commerce platforms, their impact on U.S. businesses and consumers, and how policymakers and industry leaders should respond.

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