For as long as the United States has had a digital economy, the nation’s trade negotiators – across different administrations – have worked to combat foreign policies that would impede American small business innovators’ ability to compete and succeed abroad. However, in an unprecedented move, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) decided to withdraw U.S. support from our own digital trade priorities at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

USTR’s decision weakens the ability of U.S. small business innovators to grow and create new American jobs. Further, unless course corrected, the credibility and negotiating position of the U.S. government in international fora like the WTO, and in bilateral negotiations with trading partners, will be permanently undercut.

American small businesses have come together to voice their concerns with USTR’s decision and to raise awareness about its negative impacts in a letter to President Biden. The App Association welcomes your engagement in supporting U.S. small business innovators to compete globally across digital markets. It’s more important then ever that the U.S. small business community come together to reinforce the need for strong digital trade rules that enable them to compete and create American jobs.

And it’s not too late to make your voice heard! Any small business interest is invited to join this open letter to President Biden (just fill out the form below or reach out to Brian Scarpelli at [email protected]). The App Association is actively engaged across the Administration and Congress right now, and needs your engagement and support.

Small Business Ltr re USTR Digital Trade (3 Nov 2023) (w cosigners) (1)