President Announces New Trade Enforcement Unit

January 26, 2012

During his State of the Union address on January 24, 2012, President Obama announced the creation of a new Trade Enforcement Unit that will be tasked with investigating unfair trade practices in countries such as China. President Obama also stated that there will be an increase in the amount of inspections to prevent counterfeit goods from entering the United States. The President further emphasized his commitment to preventing unfair trade by pointing out that his administration has brought trade cases against China at nearly twice the rate of the previous administration.

President Obama also emphasized his commitment to increasing exports, stating that he would “go anywhere in the world to open new markets for American products,” and calling on Congress to make sure that no foreign company has an advantage over American manufacturing when it comes to accessing financing or new markets like Russia. In regards to his Export Initiative, the President noted that, with the recent passage of the Korea, Colombia and Panama free trade agreements, his administration is on track to reach the goal he announced in 2010 of doubling exports ahead of schedule. The President also noted that he has requested Congress grant him authority to consolidate the federal bureaucracy.

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